Tonight we see “shame”, a band of five. We are at the great St. Paul staple, the Turf Club. Joining shame was fear and guilt. Just kidding, it was GHOSTWOMAN: the guitar and drum (set? kit?) duo of Evan Uschenko and Ille van Dessel. 

As it has been a tumultuous go about this 2026 so far, I’m surprised to see that the room is imbued with listeners. 

Ghostwoman is a story told in undertones of surf rock. The hazy vocals come through the venue as if over a loudspeaker. Ghostwoman treats us to picks from their 5-album discography: Lost Echo’s, Ghost Woman, “Anne, If”, Hindsight is 50/50, and recent Welcome to the Civilized world. In their live show, the group was largely instrumental. 

Our friends of shame join us on part of a great North American tour. Frankie and I sit at the tables near the entrance. We get a positive review of the band from a returning fan, promising an energetic show. The band is fronted by Charlie Steen, with guitarists Eddie Green and Sean Coyle-Smith, bassist Josh Finerty, and drummer Charlie Forbes. The first album release from the band is in 2018. Currently, shame is enjoying the release of the recent 2025 album, Cutthroat. A mixed crowd gathers for shame, where many patrons buzz with excitement. 

We heard at the show tonight “Nothing Better”, “Lampião”, and  “Spartak”, all off of Cutthroat. The concordant guitarists show off their effortless harmonizing and define their musicianship. The band functions with great skill and energy- constant bouncing around of fans and musicians alike. Of note are the outfit changes that we were treated to this evening; what started with a vest and sunglasses quickly became just suspenders and sunglasses. What bravery in the cold winter night of St. Paul! Our British boyband flaunted their big personality with expert engagement with the audience. The crowd was quite responsive to the energy of shame, demonstrating their “Minnesota circle” and maintaining a moving dancefloor for the duration of the evening. The rioteering that the band was able to elicit from the crowd was one of catharsis. During the show, we are watching the lead singer perform tricks on stage and leap into a faithful crowd. Following a foray that was grunge-rock adjacent, we are also shown the emotional lyricism that underlies shame’s quick cadence.

The band shares a brief backstory, reflecting on their origins in Brixton. Maintaining their stance for justice, shame leaves us with bleeding hearts, acknowledging the current pains that federal violence causes to a community. As a fitting end to the evening, we hear  “One Rizla” from their 2018 debut, Songs of Praise.  I’ll share the chorus of this lost-love song: “ Well, I’m not much to look at; And I ain’t much to hear; But if you think I love you; You’ve got the wrong idea”. 

Show Review: Elizabeth Wash