The Shams Band – ‘Cold City’ Review
By: Jaimie Crowder
The Shams Band is a one of a kind group that dabbles in bluegrass, country, with subtle hints of a rock undertone. Their third album ‘Cold City’, released in July, didn’t disappoint fans.
The album opens with “Cold City” itself, an upbeat song that perfectly sums up the band as a whole. With the catchy melody and steady drums, it’s hard to keep yourself from dancing when you listen.
Next up, “Love you The Most” delivers that bluegrass flare. Between the banjo and vocal harmonies, this song gives a sweet country twang to the album. With a sudden leap, “Breadwinner” brings a rock and roll feel with a ripping guitar solo and group vocals.
‘Cold City’ slows down with “Cause You Can”, the perfect song to put on when you’re down in the dumps with relationship issues. With lyrics like “I wish I’d never ever seen you.” And “There was never a reason to be evil, darling you just do it cause you can.” Almost anyone can relate and fall in love with this song.
Picking back up, “You Will Never Know” is a shorter song with guitar riffs and simple honest lyrics. Gaining momentum and picking up more of a bluegrass feel, “Travel By Sea” is a catchy song that’s perfect to listen to on a sunny day out on the beach.
“Trunk Whiskey” is a country addition with the banjo, guitar and bass melding together to create the perfect song to listen to on the dark summer nights lit by a bonfire. “Virgin Mary” Is a little song about a traditional church girl, practicing abstinence, obeying her father’s wishes, and growing up in a small town where everybody knows each other.
“The Des Plaines River” is a crowd pleasing ballad with a powerful meaning. The lyrics “And down, down, down, I’ve been sinking. I’ve been thinking about losing my mind.” stuck out to me the most with the brutally honest description of falling to rock bottom. Up next, “Thank You Cab” is a song about hangovers and cab rides when he wasn’t sober enough to drive. The harmonizing vocals softly going on in the background make this piece calming and beautiful to listen to. The second to last song “Wake up” is short and sweet. With easy lyrics, you’ll be singing along in no time. Closing out the album, “I’m Not Sorry” is a great song that helps you get over someone or something and move on.
Overall ‘Cold City’ is an ideal album to bring on a road trip, and jam out to. Between the catchy choruses and relatable lyrics, the album has something to offer everybody. The Shams Band is definitely a group to check out.
Overall rating: 7/10
