Blog Post: Review of Shame’s New Christmas Song ‘Baldur’s Gate’

Unconventional and idiosyncratic, Shame’s new Christmas song challenges the idealized festive tune, in favour of something increasingly authentic and thought- provoking.

From its first lyrics, we are immediately introduced to the unique nature of Shame’s greater collection of music. The lyricism of this particular song shy's away from the idealized visions of romance and festivity, which have become inherent features within many popular Christmas songs. Instead, what is present here is a sort of melancholy and lamentation which makes the song so resounding and haunting. This is achieved through both the highly personal lyrics accompanied by the melancholic, perhaps even despondent backdrop of instrumentation. What is left as a result is one of the most raw and honest Christmas songs to emerge in recent times. It neglects these idealized, hyper-romanticized visions of the festive season, instead forging a piece of music that reflects an increasingly realistic and confessional approach to the Christmas period.

Yet again, Shame have solidified their place as one of the most innovative and striking bands of the year, finishing off 2021 on a high-note for musical creation.