For Beans, success has never really been about ticking off industry milestones. It’s about getting a group of old friends in the same room, making something together and, ideally, having a laugh before somebody derails rehearsal by launching into jazz or metal.
Growing up on Wadawurrung Country around Geelong’s garage-rock scene, the band have built their own version of psychedelic rock from organ, rhythmic guitars, stomping basslines and a willingness to let things get a little loose. Frontman Matt Blach calls it “Psychedelic Baked Beans – Heinz only”: a mix of chaos, improvisation and just enough neatness to hold everything together.
Music was part of Blach’s life long before Beans. He remembers being the kid sitting alone on the school bus with an iPod Classic loaded with music, while at home his dad’s record and CD collection became an education of its own. In a big, busy household, Blach would often be tasked with choosing the record to soundtrack the night when people came over. That broad musical curiosity still carries into Beans, where even a straightforward run-through of a set can quickly veer somewhere unexpected.
Their new album, Less Louder, shows another side of that instinct. Recorded during the same pandemic-era sessions that produced 2024’s Boots N Cats, the new record deliberately pulls things back, swapping some of the band’s usual garage-psych intensity for softer production, hazy melodies, acoustic textures, piano and Rhodes. Blach describes it as a “Sunday afternoon” record, shaped by songs about love, loneliness, memories and hiding away.
After sitting unheard for several years, Less Louder finally arrives on September 11th via Fuzz Club. But Beans are already thinking about where they can head next, including a heavier record and another that could put keys player “Mitts” front and centre for something more dancefloor-ready.
Ahead of the release, Blach tells us about growing up surrounded by music, the value of a glass-half-full attitude, why playing together still feels special and what Beans might sound like next.
Rolling Stone AU/NZ: How much did music influence you in your early life?
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Matt Blach: Huge question… I was the kid that sat on the bus alone on the way to school listening to music, being a weirdo, so to speak. I was lucky enough to save and have the opportunity and buy an iPod classic, that was loaded. I think my old man influenced me the most with his record and cd collection. As a kid, I would often be asked to pick a record to accompany ‘the night’ or situation, whenever we had people over. So I got to grow up sharing music in a big busy household.
What artists influenced you growing up?
Another big one to ask! Too many to think of, don’t think I’m going to name drop here. I liked to listen and appreciate all types of music, everyone in the band has broad taste. I won’t speak on behalf of the band here, but I think they would all agree. Sometimes we go to practice a set and it turns to chaos – we start playing jazz or metal or some shit. Although, I always fell into listening and tapping along to drums. That’s my main instrument. Lach is way better than me at drums though, even though he is so humble and is originally a bass player.
What are some career highlights so far?
Honestly, just getting to play together. It’s a sweet thing, due to being such old friends. We are still all finding time to hang out, which is often few and far between these days, as everyone is so busy. We laugh and joke, but also make things together, which is the same entire beauty from when we started. Sometimes it takes a bit for us to settle and find our settings but once we’re playing, it’s very special. We instantly kick off from where we left off in so many ways. I think that shows on stage and shows through the songs we write together.
Tell us about your latest release. What themes are you exploring on this release?
This record Less Louder was produced during the same time as Boots ‘n’ Cats where we all couldn’t all get together as much during covid (as much as I/we wanted to). I’m glad it is finally seeing the light of day. Mixed by Jesse Williams and mastered by John Lee, they are such good friends and a joy to work with. But like we have mentioned, this is a very different record, honing in on a ‘Sunday afternoon’ feel. Keep your ears open for the next more electric ‘live’ situation.
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What kind of personality traits and values do you believe it takes to succeed in the music industry?
Depends on what success looks like to you. I believe if you value the people around you and you’ve got a glass half full kind of personality, then that’s a good start to success. The music industry is weird and I try not to think about it. Going for the Geelong Cats really helps, too.
How would you describe your music to a potential fan?
