Review of Shameless (2001)

by Harry Guerin for RTÉ Interactive (November 1st, 2001)

Having re-invented and resurrected themselves with their 1999 album Suicide Pact—You First Therapy? have returned with the album they should have made six years ago when basking in the afterglow of their Mercury nominated Troublegum. If Suicide Pact was the quartet’s broody, staying-in record, then Shameless is best seen as their jukebox collection, the type of album you want blaring in the background when you’re out way past bedtime.

Recorded in Seattle with legendary producer Jack Endino (the man who made Nirvana’s Bleach for $635), it finds the quartet stripped down to basics with Endino capturing the straight ahead rock that they always threatened but never really got around to on their journey through everything from industrial to punk.

… they try on everything from glam reworkings to Iggy tributes, always with the conviction of a bar band who aren’t going to stop playing until everyone buys a copy of their record.

With air thumping guitar solos, handclaps and singalong choruses they try on everything from glam reworkings (Body Bag Girl) to Iggy tributes (Wicked Man), always with the conviction of a bar band who aren’t going to stop playing until everyone buys a copy of their record. If Europe fails to appreciate what’s on offer here, the kids across the pond might finally be ready for a band who walk it like they talk it.

Rating: 3/5.

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