7/10

When London-based outfit Shame released their 2018 debut album 'Songs Of Praise', it was already riding a wave of buzz and acclaim that saw them projected as the next big name in British punk music. With a raw and distinctive attitude throughout, it broke down plenty of walls and saw them make one of the biggest impacts of any new band that year. But over the last twelve months, their lives have been completely turned upside down due to this pandemic, and now return with their more adventurous sophomore LP 'Drunk Tank Pink', a record that channels the isolation many have felt over the last year.

Named after the colour of frontman Charlie Steen's bedroom wardrobe, a place he would go in order to focus on his internal thoughts, 'Drunk Tank Pink' is one of the few albums we have heard so far that was created during the lockdowns, and the uncertainty that came with them can be heard loud and clear. Stepping away from the fast and frantic appeal of their initial output, their new collection is a far darker and more expressive offering that sees them vent their frustrations about the state of the world through a lens of dramatic posturing and atmospheric intent.

Fans of their debut album may be a little sideswiped by the change in direction, but 'Drunk Tank Pink' still makes the effort to create something fun and enjoyable without too much pretence. It has this roguish charm to every track, where even if you aren't fully invested in the idea, it still manages to give you something to smile about.