Shopping – The Official Body (Fat Cat Records) 2018
9
Never intentionally political by their own admission, Shopping were nevertheless inspired on their new album by the increasingly unstable world we live in today. On The Official Body they explore themes of identity politics or media brainwashing in the form of ten impressive exotic-sounding, brightly-coloured post-punk songs full of vigorous guitar riffs as well as synth bass and drum pads. The final product is as powerful as it is urgent, perfect for the dance floor but with intelligent and sensitive lyrics. Sometimes the UK trio even approach serious topics with humor (the album title is a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the powers that be concept and society’s idea of a perfect body), proving that art can be both thoughtful and entertaining. A tremendous record by a band at its creative peak.