It’s crazy to think that Shame’s debut album Songs of Praise came out more than five years ago, as the post-punk quintet continuously reside in a headspace, real or imagined, as one of the best new bands out of England. Following the early-’21 release of sophomore effort Drunk Tank Pink, Shame have in February unleashed perhaps their grandest, most ambitious album to date, a layered and intricate twirl of guitar rock called Food for Worms that will be on full, live display tonight (May 16) when they play The Sinclair in Cambridge.
Food for Worms‘ opening track “Fingers of Steel” sets a certain tone for the record that carefully and chaotically unfolds after it, with a relatable theme of the cyclical nature of friendship. “‘Fingers of Steel’ is about helping a mate and the frustrations that come with it,” says vocalist Charlie Steen. “It’s coming to terms with the fact that people can’t be who you want them to be and sometimes there isn’t anything you can do to help, it’s their own thing they have to work out for themselves and you have to accept that.”
Check out the “Fingers of Steel” video after the jump, and absorb Food for Worms in its enchanting entirety ahead of tonight’s Harvard Square gig.
SHAME + BEEN STELLAR :: Tuesday, May 16 at The Sinclair, 52 Church St. in Cambridge, MA :: 7:30 p.m., all ages, $25 :: Event page :: Advance tickets
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