Album Review: Shame, Cutthroat

Album No.4 from Shame sees them take aim at “the cowards, the cunts and the hypocrites” of the world – and those who are “shit craic in the pub” (‘Nothing Better’). Intended as a two-fingered salute to the bastards who drag you down, Cutthroat is the sound of a band who are sharper than ever.

A record that bristles with bravery, both musically and lyrically, Shame have fortified their prickly brand of caustic rock with electronics and grooves, and pinched a little bit of everything from grunge to disco. The title track opens the record with a roar – a swaggering, indie floor-filler in the making, it’s got some QOTSA in its DNA, and will level venues around the land when it's played live.

The acoustic-based, cowpunk-flavoured ‘Quiet Life’ is another treat, as is the Madchester-meets-’90s-alternative number, ‘Plaster’. Saving the best for last, ‘Axis Of Evil’ sounds like the feral offspring of Whipping Boy and New Order, and features an irresistible, ice cool chorus.

A fun and ferocious listen, Shame remain the pride of south London.

8/10