(Artist Report)

Written by: Ginny Gaines  

Today we are talking about the band from Amsterdam, Beans & Fatback. They mix garage rock, soul, and rhythm & blues, drawing from the late 1970s New York post-punk scene. They formed in 2010 and are led by singer/songwriter Onno Smit and multi-instrumentalist Paul Willemsen. Other musicians join them for recordings and live shows. The band started with a fun idea, Onno Smit cooked meals for musicians who helped him record songs and have now become a well-known live act. Their sound is influenced by bands like Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, New York Dolls, Eagles of Death Metal, and Lou Reed.

Beans & Fatback is famous for their high-energy live shows. They know how to get a crowd moving, and their performances are filled with passion and raw energy. Their ability to connect with audiences has helped them build a loyal fan base. The band’s path, from sharing meals to making music, highlights their creativity and love for what they do. Their mix of musical styles and their willingness to try new things make them a standout act in the music world. Beans & Fatback are proof that great music can come from great friendships and a lot of heart.

In 2010, the band released their debut album titled Finger Licking Good. This album has 11 songs on it that include "Down Fall," "Let Me Show You," "Roots from My Soul," "Tonight Girl I'm Coming Back Home," "The Breeze," and "Billie's Stride." This album introduced listeners to their blend of rock, country and soul, setting the tone for what was to come.

Beans & Fatback released their second album titled With Skin Attached. This album has 11 tracks on it that include "Beggin," "Use Me," "Come and Get It," "Same Old Thing," "Deep Shadows," and "Precious Jewels." This album brought even more variety to their music, mixing blues, rock, and pop. In 2015, the band released their third album titled Heroine Lovestruck. This album has 10 songs on it that include "Bombshell," "Gida," "Do It," "Tnt," and "Backstabber." This album is full of vibrant and soulful tracks.

After a 10-year break from releasing albums, Beans & Fatback released their latest album titled Hold Fast on January 10, 2025. This album has 11 tracks on it that include "Black and Blue," "Tight Ripped Jeans," "Sweet Unknown," "Gotta Keep On," "Loaded Gun," and " and "What Makes A Man (My Last Stand)." This album shows how their music matured, and has been well received by fans and critics alike.

The main members are Onno Smit (lead vocals, guitar, percussion, synthesizer) and Paul Willemsen (guitar, organ, piano, synthesizer, percussion, backing vocals). They work with other musicians for recordings and live shows, such as Jet Stevens on bass and drummers Cody Vogel and Toon Oomen. This teamwork keeps their live shows and studio work dynamic.

Critics have praised Beans & Fatback, with With Skin Attached and Heroine Lovestruck earning accolades for balancing retro sounds with modern production. Their lyrics explore personal themes like troubled relationships. With Hold Fast, they continue to mature, and their current tour suggests further growth, potentially expanding their international presence.

That will do it for this report on Beans & Fatback. In closing, please just know, Soundwave Music Media will be here and I will always do my best to bring you the rock music report! Please consider supporting me and the crew by purchasing a Soundwave shirt or hat and support our sponsors! Until next time... Rock on friends!🤘

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