SHAME PENGUIN – SAM JACKSON – SINGLE REVIEW

Shame Penguin is one of Ct.’s premier punk/rock bands. The foursome just released an ambitious new single entitled “Sam Jackson”. The band is composed of Dustin Sclafani (Vocals), Tristan Powell (Guitar), Jon Ozaksut (Bass) and Kenny Maraczi (Drums). Amp last caught up with Shame Penguin when they performed with the illustrious Fiction at 10Selden last April (see Related below).

The group definitely has an international feel. Sclafani (who proudly served in the Armed Services) is from Long Island. Powell originally hails from France. Ozaksut is Chicago born and Maraczi is a Ct. native. That’s what gives Shame Penguin their unique feel. Their sound has an edgy and totally brazen vibe.

Shame Penguin dropped two outstanding singles in 2021. Both compositions deliver singular soundscapes. “Fall of the Mountain King” combines lush textures with sudden bursts of sonic potency. Sclafani’s vocals have an airy feel and works perfectly with the captivating arrangement. “Pretzel Time” showcases another aspect of the group. More on the punk side, “Pretzel Time” flows with an exuberant cadence. Powell’s guitar floats with psychedelic fervor. The backbeat is steady and firm. The background harmonies are infectious. In addition, the two songs garnered over 65,000 Spotify streams each.

Their new tune, “Sam Jackson”, spotlights a darker intensity. The song has a more ominous feel with a kaleidoscope of aural bombardment. Sclafani’s voice has a deeply haunting tone that establishes an eerie milieu. Powell’s guitar is fearless and Ozaksut’s bass is imposing. Maraczi’s drums distributes an incendiary landslide of accents. “Sam Jackson” transports Shame Penguin to the next level.

Shame Penguin are currently recording at Horizon Studios with the amazing Vic Steffens laying down tracks for a forthcoming release.

On January 22, AMP attended another Shame Penguin performance. They played at the Space Ballroom in Hamden opening for Joata. Even though they were only on the stage for six songs, Shame Penguin‘s set was electrifying. Sclafani is a captivating front man who immerses himself with the audience. His stage presence is all consuming. Sclafani leaves nothing left behind. Powell’s guitar was tremendously bold. His licks and solos were gnarly. Ozaksut carried the beat perfectly and Maraczi on drum was impeccable.

Opening with “Live in Technicolor”, Shame Penguin came out hitting on all cylinders. Right after, they tore through a rousing version of “Pretzel Time”. Violent Femmes’ “Blister in the Sun” came next and was truly a fan favorite. “500 Million Idiot Boxes” followed. Then the magic moment approached and Shame Penguin dove into “Sam Jackson”. Already fired up, the room loved hearing the new song for the first time. Shame Penguin slayed. Everyone was on their feet dancing and swaying. They closed out with “Happy Thoughts”. It was an impressive night of music.

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To learn more about Shame Penguin, check out their Website
Follow on Facebook /  YouTube
Stream music: Spotify / Apple Music
Purchase: Amazon / Bandcamp

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