By: Jon Harrison
There’s been a lot of great acts coming from England that’s caught my eye over the years, but none that hit the spot quite like Shame. They have a throwback feel of the unapologetically British bands that precede them, while also having a more evolved sound with each album that they’ve put out since their debut, Songs of Praise. The trademark raspy vocals of frontman Charlie Steen with the smooth playing of guitarist Eddie Green and Sean Coyle-Smith go along effortlessly with bass player Josh Finerty, and the steady drums of Charlie Forbes round it all out. Coincidentally enough with the loud, energetic, and high pace tone of the bands music, it was perfectly made for the upstairs room of White Oak Music Hall for the band's debut in Houston after years of attempts, this night would finally be the night.
Right away, the band would begin with their first single, Fingers of Steel, from their latest album Food for Worms and it absolutely connected with the crowd. The room started to feel like a never ending mosh pit with nonstop movement that was a delight to witness. Along the way there would be a blend of their earlier discography with tracks such as Born in Luton, Concrete, and Tasteless. It seemed like there were drops of sweat swinging everywhere while Steen, like the mad conductor he is, screamed his lyrics while encouraging the audience to keep up the high energy.
To say the crowd was eating up the band's energy would be an understatement. People were falling down in the pit multiple times but got right back up and it was a neat thing to see because it reflected the music perfectly. Eventually, the set would close with Steen literally being held up by the crowd with the playing of Gold Hole.
To sum up the show, it felt the entire night flowed with no interruption and was the perfect beginning between Shame and the music heads of Houston. I am most definitely looking forward to the band coming back to the city in a bigger room with more fans and a much bigger pit.
⎯
