SHAME

Shame witnessed their own adolescence—in a postcard that looked like nothing at all. The freefall of their early twenties, in all their joy and disorder, was a chance to be hailed as one of post-punk’s greatest hopes. In 2018, they took their explosive debut album Songs of Praise around the world for nearly 350 non-stop nights. Shame frontman Charlie Steen suffered a series of panic attacks that led to the cancellation of the tour, and during that time, being forced to endure the reality and terror of their existence formed the band’s sophomore album, 2021’s Drunk Tank Pink, a reinvention.

Where Songs of Praise was fueled by adolescent rage, Drunk Tank Pink delves into another kind of intensity, plunging into uncharted musical waters with their wit and cynicism. Having overcome the identity crisis explored on their second album, Shame reach a new maturity with Food for Worms, described by Charlie Steen as “the Lamborghini of Shame albums”. For the first time, the band shifts focus from introspection to the external world, attempting to capture the complexities of the human experience. The album, while evoking a certain morbidity, is a celebration of life and the universal need for connection.

Since their inception, Shame have embraced contradictions, turning their vulnerabilities into strengths. Steen, for example, always performs shirtless, challenging his insecurities around his body. Food for Worms was recorded live during a European tour, capturing the raw energy of the performances and reflecting a stylistic choice that favors authenticity and imperfections over polished perfection. Produced by Flood (Nick Cave, U2, Foals), the album embraces unpredictability, with mistakes adding character and depth. Sonically, the album represents a turning point for the band, abandoning their post-punk roots to embrace broader, more eclectic influences. The album draws from the essential, cutting lyricism of Lou Reed and the sophisticated melodies of 90s German band Blumfeld, marking an evolution that highlights the courage to embrace fragility and change. Food for Worms thus captures the essence of the band in a moment of transformation, combining introspection, observation and a newfound vitality.