7/10

Since the release of their breakthrough debut LP 'Songs Of Praise' in 2018, London-based outfit Shame were greeted as one of the more innovative names on the revived post-punk scene of the time. Following that up with their raucous 2021 sophomore outing 'Drunk Tank Pink' saw them grow in both popularity and notoriety, earning them their first top ten album in both England and Scotland. But with so many similar bands now doing the rounds, the group are looking to stand out amongst the crowd as they deliver their third studio album 'Food For Worms', a record that feels like a sonic step forward for their sound.

While there are the occasional nods to their formative post-punk roots littered throughout this new collection, 'Food For Worms' feels like a more more varied and eclectic affair. Dabbling in the realms of psych-rock energy with tracks like 'Six-pack' has given their newest offering a brilliantly adventurous direction straight from the off. Building upon what has worked for them in a live setting in recent years, they have looked to create a full-length that would sound cacophonous on any stage, weaponising their catalogue with a flurry of blistering anthems throughout.

It may not have the same broad and atmospheric flair they produced on their previous efforts, but 'Food For Worms' feels like a bold progression within their musical evolution to date. Harnessing more of that vibrant aesthetic they have cultivated for themselves, they are returning in fine form here.