Shame – Cutthroat

Cutthroat, the fourth studio album from London’s Shame, powers forward with abrasive energy and sharp lyrical insight. Produced by John Congleton and released on September 5, 2025 via Dead Oceans, the record balances brash post-punk aggression with broader stylistic detours—electronic flourishes, indie-rock jangle, and even folk-tinged moments converge to expand the band’s sonic palette. Thematically, the album is a sharp critique of cowardice, hypocrisy, and societal contradictions, with frontman Charlie Steen offering character studies that are both confrontational and empathetic.

Musically, Cutthroat leans into tighter production and more daring arrangements than some of Shame’s prior work. Tracks like “Quiet Life,” “Spartak,” and the title track juxtapose danceable grooves with snarling riffs and pieces of theatrical flair, creating tension between raw emotion and crafted sound. Despite occasional moments where the album’s diversity of styles can feel sprawling, many reviewers celebrate Cutthroat as a bold, definitive step in Shame’s evolution—one that retains their edge while pushing new boundaries.

Reviews

“Cutthroat is at its most intriguing when it showcases the band’s depth and multi-faceted nature.” – NME

“Shame have fortified their prickly brand of caustic rock with electronics and grooves, and pinched a little bit of everything from grunge to disco.” – Hotpress

“Cutthroat may lack the emotional vulnerability of its predecessor, but none of its songs are devoid of thrills.” – Paste Magazine

“Despite this, Cutthroat contains several notable bright spots, like the undeniably catchy ‘Spartak,’ intensely heart racing ‘Screwdriver’ and the scathing synth-pop closer ‘Axis of Evil.’” – Sputnikmusic

“There’s not enough time to break down the cognitive dissonance … All you need to know is that Shame are cool again and, in perhaps the coolest move possible, they couldn’t care less.” – NME