With "Cutthroat," their fourth album released on Dead Oceans, Shame exceeds expectations, demonstrating a surprising sonic evolution. Their collaboration with producer John Congleton has refined their sound, which now presents itself as an explosive combination of their punk fury and clean, incisive production. The album opens with the title track, which we've already had the pleasure of sharing with you, a song that shocks the listener with an unexpected Auto-Tune chorus, followed by the wild "Cowards Around," perfect for a live performance. But the real strength lies in the complexity of frontman Charlie Steen, who alternates between preachy attitude and moments of deep introspection.
The album closes with "Axis of Evil," a song with an almost apocalyptic sound that demonstrates the band's versatility. While Shame could have stuck to their roots, “Cutthroat” demonstrates their willingness to evolve and adapt, cementing their success ahead of this winter’s European tour.