BEANS ON TOAST is back with a landmark new album: “A Bird In The Hand”, set for release on 1st December.
In commemoration of what will be his 10th studio long-player, Beans is leading the charge with an achingly beautiful new single straight from the heart: ‘Another Year’. An ode to both his Dad and his daughter, both of whom feature in the video for the song, you can watch it right here:https://beans.lnk.to/AnotherYearYTSticking firmly to his tradition of releasing a new album on the same date each year, 2018 was always going to be a big deal for Beans on Toast with album double-digits on the cards. Fittingly for this anniversary, Beans got back in touch with Ben Lovett of Mumford & Sons, who had produced his first album a decade ago, and together they hatched a plan.
Utilizing the hospitality of Lovett (whose band were spending much of their time at London’s legendary Church Studios making their next record), Beans found himself enjoying the same incredible facilities during off days and late nights, to lay down “A Bird In The Hand”, along with with the help of in-house engineer, Riley MacIntyre.
Calling in mutual friends, Ben and Beans arranged a team of incredible musicians, including Mumford & Sons’ live drummer Chris Mass and Dutch artist Christof van der Ven on guitar. Ted Dwane offered bass on a couple of tracks, and Ben himself took up piano and production duties to bring a clear, contemporary, and unique vision to the Beans’ songs. The result is arguably Beans on Toast's finest album to date. The album is diverse, easily switching between folk ballads, punk bangers and swing numbers without ever losing sight of itself or its listener.
A lot has changed in the years since the debut album, in both the world and also in Beans' personal life, this is reflected in both the sound and the subject matter of this new album. Most notably in the stand out track 'MAGIC', a song about the birth of his daughter earlier this year. An emotional and honest account of what can usually be a difficult subject to tackle, Beans achieves this without being crass or soppy, almost a trademark of his these days.
Songs about his daughter are scattered through the album, she's clearly been quite the inspiration. Aforementioned single ‘ANOTHER YEAR’ offers a touching tribute, whereas 'HERE AT HOMERTON HOSPITAL' is an ode to the East London institution where she was born and its wonderful staff.
There are no songs about getting intoxicated and, surprisingly, not a single profanity on the entire album. This wasn't purposeful and was actually pointed out after the album had been mastered. However, that doesn't mean Beans has run out of things to say about the world. 'BAMBOO TOOTHBRUSH' tackles the catastrophic plastic pollution disaster we're living in, whereas 'ALEXA' looks at the future of voice-activated Internet devices and the oncoming Amazon world domination. It's funny but thought provoking, another one of Beans trademark.
Over the course of his huge career Beans has become something of a cult national treasure. What seemed like a throwaway festival act has evolved into something much more important, a voice of truth and honesty, cutting through the bullshit. A consistent and reliable modern-day troubadour, not afraid to speak his mind. Always touring, always writing, recording and releasing music. Playing every festival under the sun and always, always, telling it like it is.
When asked if he thought this was a political record Beans said:
"I think everyone already knows where I stand on Trump and Brexit, and if not, they can listen to my last two albums. This album is more personal I guess, focusing on family and the world on my doorstep. That's where my heads been this last year"
Speaking of the song 'MAGIC' Beans said:
"I've been playing this song live for a while now, and it definitely strikes a chord. More than any song I've ever written, I think. After my shows, the conversations used to all be about after parties or ecstasy, now more often than not it's about parenting or newborn babies. Which is fine with me"
And commenting on working with Ben Lovett:
"I have so much respect for Ben. I couldn't quite believe he said yes when I asked him if he fancied doing another record. I presumed he'd be way too busy, but somehow he managed to find the time. I thought he was joking when he said he'd sorted it for us to work in The Church Studios. Not only were we in such a legendary space to record, but we also had all of Mumford's guitars and instruments set up, mic'ed up and ready to go. It might just be the biggest blag I've ever pulled. Punching well above my weight. The sessions had a really special magic about them and Ben took my songs into new waters. I'm well happy with the record. I can't wait for people to hear it. I also can't wait to make another 10 records."
‘A Bird in the Hand’ is a celebration of love, life, family and the world in which we live. It's about appreciating what we have and in that, it is a triumph.
Beans On Toast will be touring ‘A Bird In The Hand’ with a full UK tour in 2019 - catch him at the following shows:
A BIRD IN THE HAND - UK TOUR
2019
CARDIFF Clwb Ifor Bach 30.01
PORTSMOUTH The Wedgwood Rooms 31.01
MARGATE Dreamland Ballroom 01.02
STOWMARKET John Peel Centre 02.02
CAMBRIDGE J2 Junction 04.02
LEEDS Brudenell Social Club 05.02
CARLISLE The Brickyard 06.02
ABERDEEN The Lemon Tree 07.02
GLASGOW Stereo 08.02
NEWCASTLE The Cluny 09.02
HULL Adelphi 12.02
MANCHESTER Gorilla 13.02
LEICESTER Dryden Street Social 14.02
BIRMINGHAM Castle & Falcon 15.02
BRISTOL Thekla 16.02
EXETER Phoenix 20.02
TRURO The Old Bakery 21.02
PLYMOUTH The Junction 22.02
NOTTINGHAM Rescue Rooms 23.02
OXFORD The Bullingdon 24.02
TUNBRIDGE WELLS The Forum 26.02
BRIGHTON Patterns 27.02
LONDON The Garage 28.02
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