I've been a fan of Shopping all along but I'm one of the first to admit that pieces of the group's brand of post-punk felt familiar to anyone who'd heard lots of British records from that genre from decades earlier. That sounds flippant, but the fact was that it seemed like the inspirations were occasionally overtaking the final product. That all changes now as All or Nothing, out on Fat-Cat Records tomorrow, seems to be the band's most consistent release to date.
"Trust in Us" is pure Slits, peppered with the propulsive thrusts of the best Gang of Four singles, while the brighter "Initiative" is peppy fun and pointed comment. Like the better numbers here on this latest long-player, this one bounces with a lot of energy, and reveals that the players have been making this kind of music all their own. Elsewhere, "For Your Pleasure" has bass-lines and keyboard figures right out of an early New Order side, even as Shopping are more intent on creating a commotion here, and provoking a listener in a positive way. This is sharp stuff, as is the ramshackle "Body Clock", a selection that has the faintest ska vibe about it.
Shopping can't escape the obvious reference points that inspired them. I get that, and, as someone older than 50, I applaud them for having apparently fantastic taste. But I appreciate here in 2020 how All or Nothing feels like a distinctive and brave record. Similarities abound to me between this group's path and the approach of D.C.'s own Priests (RIP) in the recent past. The three players in Shopping -- guitarist Rachel Aggs, drummer Andrew Milk, and bassist Billy Easter -- craft spry and smart indie-pop, and so much of this invigorates more than nearly anything else you'll hear in 2020, I bet.
All or Nothing is out tomorrow via Fat-Cat Records.
More details on Shopping via the band's official Facebook page.