Shame’s ‘Cutthroat’ Review: A Bold Testament to Their Ability to Adapt and Evolve

Shame’s ‘Cutthroat’ marks a fearless evolution, blending raw energy and experimental twists with their unmistakable edge.

Rediscovering Shame: A Band That’s Cool Without Trying

There’s a fascinating twist in how younger fans are finding Shame today—many through supporting acts like Fontaines D.C., who themselves owe some of their early momentum to opening for Shame. It’s a full-circle moment that’s both ironic and fitting. Shame, once underground punk torchbearers, are now back and cooler than ever—but the best part? They don’t care about the cool factor. Instead, they’re charging straight ahead with their fourth studio album, Cutthroat, a record that feels less like a "poor me" lament and more like a rebellious "fuck you" rally cry.

Shame brings raw intensity and style to their latest album ‘Cutthroat’.

Opening Tracks That Snap You to Attention

From the very first notes of the title track, Cutthroat hits you with a disco beat that’s punchy and relentless. You get a riff so sharp it feels like it could cut glass, layered with frontman Charlie Steen’s brash vocals. He throws out a line that nods to Kevin Smith’s cult classic Dogma:

“Big, beautiful naked women fall out of the sky / Motherfucker, I was born to die,”

and delivers it with the same audacity that had heads turning back when Songs Of Praise came out. Just when you think you’ve got a grip on their sound, that chorus blindsides you with AutoTune, adding an unexpected, futuristic twist.

If Cutthroat didn’t electrify you, “Cowards Around” surely will. The drumming by Charlie Forbes is a whirlwind reminiscent of Led Zeppelin’s iconic “Rock & Roll,” driving the song forward with breathless energy. The track spares no one, taking aim at everything from the silly—“people who drink protein shakes”—to the seriously biting—“members of Parliament.” The song nearly recreates that live Shame magic where bassist Josh Finerty’s bouncy rhythms feel like they’re doing barrel rolls beneath the pounding beats.

The music video for “Spartak” showcases Shame’s skillful blend of jangly pop and sharp storytelling.

Exploring New Sounds: Depth and Diversity

Cutthroat is at its most captivating when it pulls back the curtain on Shame’s willingness to experiment. Electronic hints pepper tracks like “To and Fro” and “After Party,” adding a pulse of synthetic intrigue uncommon in their earlier work. Then there’s the cinematic flair of “Lampião,” a spaghetti-western inspired track that feels like a daring detour but fits seamlessly in Shame’s universe. The album’s jangle-pop gem, “Spartak,” offers a crisp and catchy sound that proves the band’s versatility without losing their distinctive edge.

Charlie Steen, as always, remains a magnetic figure. Here, he’s sometimes the preacher, other times the disillusioned observer lighting up in the back alley, wrestling with faith—or the lack thereof. On quieter moments like “Quiet Life,” he steps away from performative anger to reveal vulnerability and sharp reflection, offering a glimpse into the human experience that’s both genuine and haunting.

‘Cutthroat’ album artwork reflects the bold, edgy nature of Shame’s latest work.

Closing with a Dancefloor Apocalypse

By the time the album’s finale, “Axis of Evil,” spins into view, you’re left with a rich sense of everything Shame is capable of. It’s a disco inferno, literally—Charlie Steen deadpans through an apocalyptic dance groove, with his bandmates layering synth arpeggios like sparks flying around a bonfire. This closing track sums up the album’s spirit: a fearless blend of evolution and defiance.

For a band that might have stumbled during the pandemic or fallen into the trap of repeating themselves, Cutthroat stands as a bold declaration of growth. It’s a testament to Shame’s relentless drive to adapt, shake things up, and keep their music as unpredictable as it is exciting.

Album Details

• Record Label: Dead Oceans
• Release Date: September 5, 2025

Final Thoughts

Cutthroat isn’t just another album; it’s a journey through Shame’s evolving soundscape, a tough-love letter to the world filled with grit, wit, and unexpected twists. If you’ve been on the fence about Shame or are just discovering them, this album demands your attention.

FAQ

• What genre does Shame’s ‘Cutthroat’ album primarily explore?
  While rooted in post-punk energy, the album experiments with disco beats, electronic elements, and jangle-pop influences.
• How does ‘Cutthroat’ differ from Shame’s previous work?
  It’s more experimental and diverse, featuring AutoTune, electronic textures, and cinematic pastiches that showcase the band’s growth.
• Who is the lead vocalist of Shame and what’s unique about his style in this album?
  Charlie Steen leads with raw, brash vocals, mixing bravado with moments of introspective vulnerability.
• Are there any standout tracks recommended to first-time listeners?
  Yes! The title track ‘Cutthroat,’ the propulsive ‘Cowards Around,’ and the catchy ‘Spartak’ are great starting points.
• What message does Shame convey with ‘Cutthroat’?
  A defiant, unapologetic attitude that embraces change and rejects victimhood, inviting listeners to join them in their rebellious spirit.

For fans wanting to bring a slice of this vibrant album energy home, consider shopping your favorite album cover poster at our store. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the bold spirit of Cutthroat every day. Shop now.