The Smack
Appleton, Wisconsin, United States | SELF
Music
Press
Name: The Smack
Hometown: Neenah
Lineup: Adam Kraus, guitar/vocals; Nick Kraus, drums; Blaine Vander Wielen, bass
First a little background: The Smack is a classic rock-inspired band that formed last year and gigs often around the Fox Valley. Each member is a trained musician: Drummer Nick Kraus is a graduate of the Lawrence Conservatory of Music, and bassist Vander Wielen and singer/guitarist Adam Kraus are music majors at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. But don’t expect to hear any of that classical music stuff here. Cheap Trick and AC/DC is about as classical as The Smack gets. The band’s Web site says The Smack aims to bring back old-school rock to a scene “that has more or less lost its swagger.” With labels already starting to sniff around the band, this power trio just might keep its promise.
You probably will like this band if you like: AC/DC, Cheap Trick, Van Halen
Why our band is better than your band: “(We have) an exceptional bassist and the Kraus brothers
on guitar and drums,” Adam Kraus said. “So we’re sort of like Van Halen, only better looking.” - Appleton Post Crescent
"We are The Smack, and we are here to steal your girlfriends!" That's the battle cry of singer/guitarist Adam Kraus, front man of one of the Midwest's most promising young rock bands, The Smack. Boasting an electric live show, and flat-out stellar musicianship, The Smack's brand of good times rock and roll is a much-needed breath of fresh air in a rock music scene that has more or less lost its swagger. Accomplished percussionist Nick Kraus and exceptional bassist Blaine Vander Wielen fill out the line-up, composing one of the most exciting rhythm sections out there today. Imagine everything you like about rock music, past and present. That is The Smack, and they are a musical force that will rock you sideways. - No Cover Magazine - April 2007 Issue
Discography
The Smack EP
The Smack Live at The Red Sea Bar - August 11, 2007
Photos
Bio
After being formed in late 2005, The Smack took off as a premier good times rock n' roll band. They went on to perform a series of shows touring the upper midwest and having the pleasure of performing with several national bands.
Early in their career, The Smack was featured in The Post Crescent and in the April 2007 issue of No Cover Magazine. They were also featured on the No Cover Magazine compilation CD that accompanied the months issue.
The Smack has participated in and won several battle of the bands competitions. Most notably, The Smack won an opportunity to play along side Ben Folds, Ben Lee and Jack's Mannequin in April 2007.
The Smack took a break in 2009 to focus on other obligations; however, they are back in the practice studio prepping for their comeback series. The band has been working hard to knock you off your feet. A show that should not be missed.
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