A dark brooding menace makes itself known from the moment you press play on Shame’s new single ‘The Lick’. Having established themselves as one of London’s best new live bands without so much as a release, the five-piece are ready to introduce themselves and spread their snarling message to a wider audience by way of their debut double A-side single.
Having already heard the clattering sounds of ‘Gold Hole’ on one side, ‘The Lick’ comes in with the right hook; both coming together to create one of the more memorable introductions you’ll hear from a band in some time. Where the former unleashed its pent up aggression more readily, this new track is far more menacing in its progression. A crawling bassline instils a threatening sense of foreboding before Charlie Steen’s apathetic drawl comes in, painting a picture of the world around him that is less than appealing. You can almost imagine him curling his lip through delivery, mocking music that is ‘relatable not debatable’. One thing is for sure; this band do not fall in that category.
Fuelled by a disillusionment towards modern society, the track has all the earmarks of a punk anthem; bursting with a youthful rage and exasperation that will feel all too familiar to many in today’s current political climate.
At this early stage, Shame are already showing signs of becoming quite a formidable prospect. The double A-side single featuring ‘The Lick’ and ‘Gold Hole’ is due for release on 7th December on Fnord. Before then, the band will be heading out on an extensive UK tour supporting fellow punk rockers Slaves.
Check out the track now below:
