The first time I saw shame singer Charlie Steen, he was stripped down to nothing but his Racing Green brand underwear (which he had wedged up his behind), as guitar, bass and drums punctuated his emphatic vocals. In this “Tiny Desk (home) Concert”, we find Charlie in a full suit, tie and hat, sitting in a living room atmosphere backed not only by the rest of Shame (also seated), but a compendium of violins, horns and more.
All the songs here are from the band’s 2021 album, “Drunk Tank Pink”. It’s the sound of this South London post-punk band challenging not only their listeners, but themselves. What a thrill.
We heard you, we listened. And, yes, your prayers have been answered with 3 orchestrated songs off Drunk Tank Pink for NPR Tiny Desk. Thank you so much to Bob Boilen for having us, the Rising Sun for hosting us, and to all the incredible musicians and crew.
The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music’s Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It’s the same spirit — stripped-down sets, an intimate setting — just a different space.
Set List:
- “Snow Day”
- “Born in Luton”
- “Human, for a Minute”
The Band:
- Charlie Steen: lead vocals
- Eddie Green: guitar, vocals
- Josh Finerty: bass, vocals
- Sean Coyle-Smith: guitar, vocals
- Charlie Forbes: drums
- Freddy Wordsworth: trumpet
- Campbell Baum: saxophone
- Kai Akinde-Hummel: percussion
- Oliver Hamilton: violin
- Magdalena McLean: violin
