Toronto modern post punks SHAM FAMILY are releasing their debut album, A Deaf Portrait of Peace, today via WAVY HAZE. The band’s dynamic energy and poignant lyrics come to life in this much-anticipated record, which they have painstakingly crafted over several years. SHAM FAMILY has also treated us to a special list of iconic family bands that have influenced their sound, exclusively for IDIOTEQ.
To mark this momentous occasion, SHAM FAMILY is performing tonight at Toronto’s Nineteen Seventy Eight.
“We’re very excited to finally get A Deaf Portrait of Peace out in the world,” SHAM FAMILY shared. “We’ve been working on this album for years, starting in Kory’s bedroom on a barely functional laptop, and eventually bringing it to the studio with Graham Walsh. Creating this album has been a privilege, and we’re grateful for the support of our fans and the understanding of our pets, who always welcomed us back after long nights away.”
SHAM FAMILY is etching their name in the annals of post-punk history with A Deaf Portrait of Peace.
Emerging from Toronto’s eclectic scene, this quartet has quickly become a prominent voice in contemporary post-punk. Known for their explosive live performances, SHAM FAMILY’s shows are a blend of catharsis and controlled chaos, featuring broken strings, sweat, and the occasional minor injury—all in the name of delivering the loudest, most captivating experience possible.
Their journey began with a self-titled EP in 2022, released under the newly formed WAVY HAZE Records, spearheaded by indie icons BORN RUFFIANS.
This raw introduction set the stage for their full-length album, produced by the renowned Graham Walsh (METZ, DEBBY FRIDAY, PREOCCUPATIONS, ALVVAYS). The record captures the energy of their live shows while exploring new sonic territories.
SHAM FAMILY’s sound is an intersection of post-punk and post-rock, exemplified by the driving guitars and riotous crescendos of lead single ‘Modern Myth’. Tracks like ‘Dynasty’ confront mental health struggles and parental loss with raw emotion, while ‘Community Service’ channels the spirit of punk with frontman Kory Ross lamenting “this city never loved you back” against a backdrop of distortion and frenetic melodies.
“A Deaf Portrait of Peace” is a critical observation of society’s ills, a false utopia painted over the harsh realities of modern life.
SHAM FAMILY’s dedication to musical exploration and intense performances positions them at the forefront of the post-punk scene in Canada and beyond.
To celebrate the release of the album, SHAM FAMILY has joined us and shared a curated list of iconic family bands that have shaped their musical journey:
Sham family’s list of other iconic family bands!
Playlist included!
DEVO – Space Junk
This song exemplifies what DEVO does best to me. It’s goofy and silly but it’s still sophisticated and incredibly catchy. These brothers made some real janky, wacky and beautiful tunes that we have always been inspired by. True originals right here.
Oasis – Champagne Supernova
I don’t care, this song and this band rules. Sue me. These brothers may hate each other, but we love this song. It is my go to karaoke song and I’ll stand by it.
Jesus and Mary chain – Never Understand
Seeing these guys play Psycho Candy in its entirety on the anniversary tour genuinely changed the way I looked at guitar. The pure harsh wall of feedback on top of a catchy rock song has been a staple of Sham Family’s sound since.
Radiohead – Idioteque
There are brothers in this band, it counts. There isn’t much to say about Radiohead that hasn’t been said before. They have changed the game many times over. This is one of the bands that really drew all of us to trying to actually make music in the first place. We may not sound very similar but the influence is there.
Cap’n Jazz – Little League
We all had a little emo phase at one point. Cap’n Jazz isn’t a phase though. The energy, the vocals, the chord shapes, song structures, all of what they do speaks heavily to us even if we’re not quite as emotional these days. Little league ends up in my top listened-to songs every year without fail.
The B-52s – Give Me Back My Man
These guys were my first favourite band. Ricky Wilson wrote the catchiest riffs in the world (and presumably in whatever planet they came from, too), and used a lot of bizarre tunings that really added to their originality. Also Fred was an incredible front-person, but any track that Cindy took the helm on just hit different.
Death – Politicians In My Eyes
I saw the documentary “A Band Called Death” around the time it came out and instantly became obsessed with this record. The Hackney brothers absolutely ripped, and I think this song is a great example of how fast and tight they played together, & how ahead of the curve their sound was. I’m glad they finally got their flowers.
Every Time I Die – We’rewolf
This is one of the only bands I know with a flawless discography. These dudes just blasted riff after riff after riff, and never let up. There was so much energy in this band, live AND on record. I left myself bedridden for like 2 weeks after stage diving during this song, and I’d do it again.
Hot Garbage – Snooze You Lose
Writing this list, I realise I’m obsessed with sick bass lines. The homies have been putting out some really rad krauty post punk, and I just get absolutely hypnotised by it. I love a track that sits on a single driving riff, where everything else just sort of swirls around it and builds into chaos. (Also shout out to Graham Walsh, who produced this record, as well as ADPOP!)
AC/DC – Riff Raff
Couldn’t do a family band list without these guys. Quite possibly the most iconic brotherly duo in rock n roll, there really isn’t much that needs to be said about the Young Brothers. LET THERE BE ROCK.
