Shopping
Why Choose
FATCAT
7/10
Shopping was born out of Power Lunches, a hardcore/queercore/feminist venue in East London. It’s easy, then, to classify the post-punk trio as a political band, and many people have. And while the band’s members may be concerned with engaging with the questions of the day, the music they produce is not. Its only blatant agenda involves making you dance, and Shopping’s excellent sophomore album Why Choose is full of potential singles. “Straight Lines” sounds like Gang of Four reinventing the Pet Shop Boys’ “What Have I Done to Deserve This?,” and that’s a wonderful thing. Like a dog taking a pill inside a glob of peanut butter, it’s completely possible to enjoy Why Choose without being acutely aware of Shopping’s social-justice background. If you happen to read about Power Lunches as a result, they think that’s great, but you’re more than welcome to just sit back and savor the treat. As the album’s first single, “Why Wait,” asks, “Why choose, when I just want it both ways?” There’s something for everyone here.
