Sham Strikes A Chord

A couple weeks ago, I scrolled into an algorithm-recommended video of the band Wednesday listening and reacting to an artist called Sham (aka Shane Justice McCord and a crew of collaborators). They offered high praise for the tune and noted that the artist hails from Asheville, North Carolina. So, I got curious and listened to their new single “In Ordinary Fashion.”

Busy, buzzing, and beautiful, the song sounds like the inside of a beehive. Somehow, in the midst of so many moving parts, it’s still cohesive. I wish I knew more about beehives and could extend the analogy, but this is as far as I can take it.

If you understand the nuances of music theory, I’m guessing this song offers a lot to chew on. The scales, the shifts from major to minor chords, the pauses, the interplay — there’s plenty to explore. Regardless of the instrumental melange and complexity, the vocal melody still shines through and stays with you. To me, that’s what makes the song special. It’s not just a technical flex, it’s intricate pop music.

Sham’s self-titled full length comes out on September 25.