Album review by Jonah Taylor
Queensland punk surf rock favourites Beddy Rays are back and better than ever with their second album, Do What Ya Wanna. In this latest record, Jacko, Brad, Benny, and Lewy tackle themes of mateship, mental health, and self-discovery with a sincerity that feels both genuine and down-to-earth. The overall message emphasises that being surrounded by the people and places you love is the remedy for life’s struggles.
The album kicks off with a standout track, ‘All I Wanna Do’, showcasing the band’s signature guitar tones, punchy drums, and infectious vocal lines, with harmonies reminiscent of Green Day’s Dookie or Weezer’s Green Album. The song features a brilliantly mixed chaotic mini breakdown that erupts into a cacophony of sound before diving into the final chorus, leading into ‘A Million Times’ a hopeful anthem about maintaining faith in love despite past disappointments.
Next up is ‘Red Lights’, one of the previously released singles. This track pushes the band into new sonic territory while staying true to their roots. With a dreamy guitar riff that’s utterly infectious, paired with an upbeat bass line and energetic drum groove, it embodies pure feel-good vibes.
A major highlight is ‘Pocket Rocket’, a love letter to high-energy punk, begging for a wild mosh pit. Here, drummer Benny shines with explosive snare fills. Following this is ‘Vices’, a beautifully tragic exploration of new sounds. Featuring atmospheric strings, gorgeous vocal melodies, and soft acoustic guitar chords, it creates a reflective space at the album’s midpoint before the band returns to their surf rock roots with ‘Silverline’.
‘Big Brekky’ is another classic Beddy’s track, boasting vocal harmonies reminiscent of Catfish and the Bottlemen. This catchy tune is sure to become a crowd favourite at upcoming gigs, allowing frontman Jacko to showcase his vocal prowess. ‘Hold On’ feels like it’s been ripped straight from a classic Aussie surf montage from the early 2000s.
Closing the album is the first single, ‘Stay The Same’, which poignantly addresses Jacko’s grief after losing his sister, with painfully relatable lines like “I can’t escape my mind sometimes, I never wanna be there” and “I think I’m back on top until I have another breakdown.” Despite its heavy subject matter, the upbeat drumbeat and surf rock guitar licks create a bittersweet yet perfect closing for Beddy Rays’ second album.
The 11-track album runs for around 33 minutes, which may seem slightly short at first glance. However, upon listening, it reveals itself to be the perfect length. Each song is carefully arranged, creating a flow that feels intentional and reflective of life’s ups and downs.
