What's That Smell?

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are cranking up the vibes with "What's That Smell?" by Sleeze Beez from their 1992 album Powertool. This track is a high-octane, in-your-face rocker that captures the band’s sleazy, hard-rock essence. According to a review on HardRock 80, the song is described as “urgent” and a standout for its raw, rockin’ energy, perfectly suited for the Zoo Freaks who love their music loud and unapologetic. Its lyrics, as shared on Genius, paint a gritty picture of hedonistic nights with lines like “I know a place where we can go / We’ll just stay high / And turn the lights down low,” embodying the band’s rebellious spirit. While specific interviews about the song are scarce, a 2010 post on Metalfan.nl quotes drummer Jan Koster hyping up the band’s reunion, saying, “The MIGHTY FUCKIN SB ARE BACK,” which gives a sense of the wild, unfiltered attitude that fuels tracks like “What’s That Smell?”.

Delving into the creation of “What’s That Smell?,” the song’s production on Powertool was shaped by the band’s struggle with their label, Atlantic Records. As noted in a Sleaze Roxx bio, Powertool was delayed nearly two years due to disagreements with the label, which sensed the shifting musical tides of the early ’90s. By the time it hit shelves, the grunge wave was drowning out glam metal, but “What’s That Smell?” still shines as a defiant middle finger to the changing times. Fans on the Sleeze Beez Fan Group on Facebook often rave about the track’s infectious energy, with some calling it a hidden gem that deserved more airplay. The song’s raw edge, paired with Andrew Elt’s gutsy vocals, makes it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic, no-holds-barred playlist.

Sleeze Beez kicked off their journey in 1987 in the Netherlands, born from the audacious hustle of drummer Jan Koster and guitarist Chriz van Jaarsveld. As detailed on Last.fm, the duo managed to sweet-talk their way into a record deal before they even had a full band or a solid set of songs. They quickly assembled a lineup with guitarist Don Van Spall, bassist Ed Jongsma, and vocalist Tigo “Tiger” Fawzi to record their debut, Look Like Hell, which was only released regionally. The band’s early days were chaotic, with Tiger being replaced by Thijs Hamelaers and then Andrew Elt, who brought stability and a powerful voice that defined their sound. Their breakthrough came with 1989’s Screwed Blued & Tattooed, which hit #115 on the Billboard 200 and landed them an opening slot for Skid Row, as noted on Wikipedia. This album, along with the MTV hit “Stranger Than Paradise,” put them on the map as a Dutch glam metal act with a gritty, AC/DC-meets-Def Leppard vibe.

Despite their rise, Sleeze Beez faced challenges as the music scene shifted. After Powertool’s delayed release and lukewarm reception, they released Insanity Beach in 1994 and a live album before disbanding in 1996. A reunion in 2010 brought new life, with shows alongside Aerosmith and a greatest hits collection, as mentioned on Sleaze Roxx. Today, fans can connect with the band’s legacy through their official website, Facebook, and Instagram. Their X account keeps the vibe alive with occasional updates. For diehard Zoo Freaks, the Sleeze Beez Fan Group on Facebook is a hub for sharing memories and rare merch, while LazyRocker.com offers interviews and fan content to keep the sleaze rockin’.