ALBUM REVIEW: Beddy Rays – ‘Do What Ya Wanna’

Words by Tracey Moyle {Music Maven}

Beloved Brisbane alt rockers, Beddy Rays have released another sonic ray of sunshine, full of sun-drenched garage rock with their latest album ‘Do What Ya Wanna’, out today. They’re celebrating the release with their latest single, the amped up Pocket Rocket. 

This latest drop brings eleven tracks, full of emotive, garage punk, the boys from Redland Bay, taking listeners on a journey with raw and real storytelling, alongside the band capturing a sound that bridges time. Full of gritty yet melodic garage rock the band have captured a classic era of punk music giving it a modern twist with their signature laid-back Aussie larrikin rock.

Friends since primary school, Jackson (Jacko) Van Issum (vocals, guitar), Lewy McKenna, (guitar) Brad O’Connor (bass) and Benny Wade (drums) set the bar high in 2020 with their energetic, surf-tinged punk hit, ‘Sobercoaster’.

This latest album is a solid leap forward, the band maturing but still holding true to their surf rock laid-back vibe.

Listening to this album on the first play-through had me catching auditory glimpses of The Cure, Weezer, Green Day and more in each of their own, brilliantly raw early days. Carrying influences through music is a given with any artist, adding your own creative soul and capturing a sound that’s fresh and new, while crossing timelines, is key to honouring what you love and sealing it with your own signature.  ‘Do What Ya Wanna’ has achieved this.

The album opens with some juicy garage punk riffs in All I Wanna Do. That signature high energy punk with a surf drenched soul bringing back music feels from decades ago. Their modern take on old school influences is infections and full of energy. They open ‘Do What Ya Wanna’ with sun-soaked vibes and a DIY spirit.

A Million Times stands out with Jacko’s distinct vocals ringing out with an apathetic resonance sonically, starkly juxtapose lyrically with a feeling of authenticity and optimism. Singing about the highs and lows of finding love, this track brings back early days of The Cure. This feeling carries through with the next track, previous single drop, Red Lights, an upbeat coastal rock anthem capturing the youthful feeling of fitting in, freedom, friendship, and navigating life.

The band bring out an alt rock gem with Fender. A track that 25 years ago could have been a Weezer hit, catchy, hook-filled, digging deep emotionally but fun.  Followed up with the explosion of Pocket Rocket almost taking you by surprise. Benny belting the song into a fast-paced crowd-surfer of a track.

“Do What You Wanna Do”! The mantra for this generation brings surf-rock harmonies out along-side fast-paced riffs giving this track a NOFX , skate-punk, vibe. Crank it up!

Frontman Jacko said about this new music: “This album is us – our highs, our lows, and everything in between. Writing it was a way to make sense of all the craziness life throws at you, but it’s also about not taking yourself too seriously and enjoying the ride. That’s what Beddy Rays is all about.” 

This statement is reflected in Vices, it’s drop into a melancholic tone almost catches you by surprise. “Vices grip hard around my heart / Overthinking everything, the fastest way to fall apart.” The sadness captured in Jacko’s vocals through the chorus fall heavy adding to the intensity of this introspective track. The same level of emotional drive is behind the bands 2024 release Stay The Same, the closing track on this album. The song a cathartic form of therapy the frontman created while working through the plethora of emotions he was dealing with when his sister Brinley passed away. “I can’t escape my mind sometimes, I never want to be there. Your heart pours into mine and I will always have a room spare”.  Shades of Green Day’s ‘Nimrod’ era ringing out in parts.

Singles Silverline and Big Brekky are Aussie pub rock belters, classic sing-alongs with catchy riffs, blended with fresh lyrics and high energy. Beddy Rays haven’t lost their signature playful, cheeky, and undeniably Aussie attitude and sound.

Killing Time and Hold On keep you dancing with hooky choruses and carefree rhythms with a dose of anti-establishment charm. Raw guitar tones and punchy vocals that balance edge with catchiness.

Another brilliant release from the Beddy Rays. A new soundtrack for summer BBQ’s, backyard cricket and hangs with friends. Add this one to your streaming rotation or even better, go out and support these brilliant local musos’ and pick up a copy on vinyl and some merch.