Smooth Beans hail from Cantabria in northern Spain. Released by my favourite label, Liquidator Music, Sin Dudar is the band’s third full-length album. After a longer break from releasing new material, they returned in 2025 with the single Amor, which served as the perfect introduction to this record. The band stays firmly rooted in traditional reggae, ska and rocksteady, aiming to capture the authentic sound of the late 1960s. A strong female lead vocal gives most of the songs a warm, gentle character, while her soulful delivery and the record’s laid-back groove create a cohesive atmosphere from beginning to end. Male vocals also make an appearance on several tracks, most notably on Morning Sun, which is my favourite of the album’s English-language songs. A slightly ska-jazz atmosphere is offered by Queen Bee, which is a cover of a song by Slim Harpo from 1964.
What I enjoy most about this record is its atmosphere. Smooth Beans belong alongside bands such as The Upsessions and Moon Invaders, who have dedicated themselves to recreating the original spirit of these genres. You’ll find dancefloor-friendly tunes like El Efecto and Mi Chico, where the Spanish language fits the music perfectly. On the other side of the spectrum are the heartfelt Earthquake, inspired by parental love, the romantic rocksteady number Solo Tú, the melancholic Green Land, the title track Sin Dudar, and Puro Y Sincero, whose electrifying atmosphere reminds me of the theme song from Narcos. The song Amor had already been released as a standalone single, and you can also read my review of it here.
For anyone who loves reggae, ska and rocksteady inspired by the late 1960s and early 1970s, this is a wonderful throwback. The album effortlessly alternates between Spanish and English lyrics, female and male vocals, upbeat dance tunes and more emotional moments. It’s the kind of record you’ll happily put on at home, sit back and enjoy from start to finish. Once again, Liquidator Music proves that it continues to release some of the finest records in today’s European rocksteady revival scene.
TOP TRACKY: Morning Sun, Puro Y Sincero, Earthquake
