Smooth Beans are a band from the Cantabria region in Spain that has been active on the scene since 2008. Their sound blends primarily reggae and rocksteady. From time to time I come across modern projects that like to label their music as “rocksteady,” but in reality it’s often just monotonous, annoying, bouncy tunes. Then there are bands that truly draw inspiration from the years 1966–1968, when this subgenre – for me personally the most interesting era of Jamaican music – ruled the scene before it gradually evolved into ska and later into other reggae subgenres. There are still labels that try to deliver rocksteady in its original version, and for me personally, it’s been the Liquidator Music label for years, which released this single.
I once came across a definition of rocksteady that went something like this: “A style known for its prominent bass sound, soulful vocals, and lyrics dealing with romantic or ‘rude boy’ themes. It emerged when artists slowed the rhythm down, allowing for more complex bass lines and a relaxed, danceable groove.” That description is absolutely spot-on and perfectly fits this 7″ vinyl.
The record contains two tracks. On the A-side there’s the song Amor – a perfect piece of rocksteady with a female vocal sung in Spanish, carrying a great atmosphere and exactly the kind of laid-back, swinging groove that makes this style so special. The B-side features an English-sung cover of Walk The Streets by Derrick Harriott, this time with a male vocal. Both tracks are a great contribution to the rocksteady revival. There aren’t many bands today keeping this almost forgotten – yet, in my opinion, the best – reggae genre alive. Smooth Beans know exactly how to do it, and every new recording from them is something to celebrate.
The band has also returned with new material after a long nine-year break. And I’m definitely a supporter of quality over quantity. So grab your girl and go dancing to rocksteady at a club this Friday.
The retro atmosphere of the late ’60s and early ’70s is also perfectly captured in the music video for Amor, which the band released last year. Make sure to check it out as well.
TOP TRACK: Amor
