British post-punk band Shame bring blistering sound from across the pond
Following in the footsteps of British rock ‘n’ roll bands like the Skids and Gang of Four who rode the punk wave creating hard-nosed classics from a sly poetic and musical intelligence, Shame arrives at the Fox Theater in Boulder via south London on the heels of two critically acclaimed studio albums.
The post-punk outfit, which is owned by Indiana-based forward-thinking label Dead Oceans, has also released two scorching live albums that will entice fans of heavy music to see the band in person – and perhaps entice them, too. wear protective equipment, as moshing may be involved.
On the cover of their debut LP songs of praise (2018), the young members of Shame cradle little piggies under a clear blue sky, shyly signaling the music within – lively, tasteful dance beats forcefully played on rock instruments and drowned out by the passionate screams of frontman Charlie Steen. “I hope you hear me,” he moans in a voice reminiscent of founding English bands The Fall and Sham 69, whose fingerprints can be found in Shame’s brief but murderous discography.
Pink Drunk Tank Top, Shame’s latest, ramps up the ferocity, presumably drawing inspiration from Fugazi with an anthemic, seething post-punk that spends little to no time on idyllic intros. Contrary to Ian McKaye’s appeals to the conforming society, however, Shame’s genius lies in metaphors and the angst of disillusioned everyone. The album peaked at No. 8 on the UK charts, juxtaposing explosive post-punk with a bit of Franz Ferdinand-esque grooves and a streak of British cobblestones.
Co-headlining with Swedish rock band Viagra Boys, Shame’s set at the Fox Theater on October 7 could be the boost Boulder – so inundated with bluegrass and jam bands – needs as a cleanser for the palace.
8:30 p.m. Friday, October 7, Fox Theater, 1135 13th St., Boulder. Tickets: $25