There is something formidable about a band that’s able to reinvent one of its core attributes and still be completely recognisable. For New York’s industrial punks, Uniform, this reinvention manifests itself in their percussion; previous albums have relied on a drum machine to produce the harsh, metallic crash of toms and snare that are a customary part of their sound. 2018’s ‘The Long Walk’ featured live drums by Greg Fox, however, he was simply mimicking what had already been programmed for the album, whereas latest effort ‘Shame’ welcomes Mark Sharp into the fold and his contributions from behind the drum kit were a part of the process from writing to recording. Uniform’s music has always felt dangerously explosive and wrought with emotional vitriol, however, live drums add an imperfect rawness to each song that heightens the tension and makes the album more chaotic than anything that Uniform have previously produced.
Michael Berdan’s vocals have deliberately been placed lower in the mix, allowing for Ben Greenberg’s guitar to become a focal point, and as each riff races towards an apex the lyrics cut through beneath the surface with hate filled acidity. Despite having retired their drum machine, Uniform have lost none of their metallic edge; the use of electronic effects and heavy handed reverb is still prominent throughout, purveying an atmosphere that feels like it could collapse in on itself at any moment, taking the listener with it.
‘Shame’ offers no solace, no reprieve – it unapologetically and brutally plumbs the depths of the ugliest parts of the human soul, dredging to the surface its discoveries and rending them into mind altering, uncomfortable songs that will make your palms sweaty and your chest tight until the album finally reaches its miserable end. Another absolutely huge offering from Uniform, they get better with every release.
(8/10 Angela Davey)
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