Shame Release New Single ‘Cutthroat’ Ahead of Upcoming Album

My introduction to Shame came not long after the gates opened at Laneway 2018. As most punters strolled through the festival grounds to familiarise themselves with this year’s festival layout, a crowd began to quickly gather under one of the tents in anticipation. Honestly how could they not, Shame aren't the type of band to start their set at anything less than 100%.

The band ripped into ‘Dust On Trial’, Charlie Steen commanding the crowd’s attention, wrapped in an XLR cable, making eye contact with almost everyone in the crowd as he sang “just … one … step… closer to me! closer to me! closer to me! closer! and closer! and closer!”. Chaos ensuing in the background as bassist Josh Finerty, sprints back and forth across the stage, swinging his bass around his body in a signature move.

Just when you thought the energy couldn't possibly be brought up any higher, Shame followed this up with ‘Concrete’ and ‘One Rizla’ two of the biggest tracks from their incredible debut album ‘Songs of Praise’ released that year. Then I noticed next to me at the barrier was a lady, old enough to be my grandmother, having the absolute time of her life, going much harder than anyone else was at just past midday, waving and shouting at Shame’s peers Dream Wife who were watching from side of stage.

That show that has stayed with me since, 10/10, no notes, I was blown away. I couldn't ask for a better first impression. It was a treat to see them back in Brisbane recently, this time supporting heavyweights of the genre, Fontaines D.C. And it is such a treat to have a new Shame song released into the world this week.

Cutthroat captures the infectious, tough, tongue in cheek energy of the live set, the first beat landing with an almighty thump, like a punch. Blues-y guitar bends sounding perfectly at home recontextualised in a blur-esque brit pop verse. Lyrics only Shame could write like

“BIG BEAUTIFUL NAKED WOMEN FALL OUT OF THE SKY, MOTHERFUCKER I WAS BORN TO DIE”.

The chorus switches gears and is more reminiscent of Stones Roses/Ian Brown, a reprise from the verse, simmering and undeniably nonchalant and cool in comparison.

If you're yet to hear the track for yourself, I highly encourage you to listen for the first time via the music video (directed by Ja Humb) which sees Steen on a motorcycle wall of death, circling the band as they play to… shocked? No, mesmerised onlookers.

‘Cutthroat’ is the title track off their upcoming album due September 5 via Dead Oceans. Listen to the track below.