Cutthroat, the fourth studio album from Londons 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 detourselectronic flourishes, indie-rock jangle, and even folk-tinged moments converge to expand the bands 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 Shames 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 albums diversity of styles can feel sprawling, many reviewers celebrate Cutthroat as a bold, definitive step in Shames evolutionone that retains their edge while pushing new boundaries.

Reviews

Cutthroat is at its most intriguing when it showcases the bands 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

Theres 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 couldnt care less. NME

A1 Cutthroat
A2 Cowards Around
A3 Quiet Life
A4 Nothing Better
A5 Plaster
A6 Spartak
B1 To And Fro
B2 Lampio
B3 After Party
B4 Screwdriver
B5 Packshot
B6 Axis Of Evil