Do What Ya Wanna

Beddy Rays’ second album, Do What Ya Wanna, captures the essence of the band’s unmistakable charm - raw, fun-loving, and heartfelt - while pushing their sound into fresh territory. Known for their larrikin spirit and knack for pairing honest storytelling with punchy riffs, this record stays true to the band’s punk rock roots while exploring broader sonic and thematic horizons. At its core, the album is a celebration of navigating life’s highs and lows, with a unique blend of slapstick humor, heartfelt sincerity, and unapologetic energy. Themes of mateship, mental health, and self-discovery are woven throughout, making it both a cathartic release and a soundtrack for living in the moment. 

Tracks like Stay the Same showcase a vulnerability and depth that Beddy Rays haven’t explored quite like this before. Written in the wake of lead singer Jacko’s sister’s passing, the song wrestles with grief, longing, and the ache of keeping someone’s spirit alive. It’s a raw and emotional standout, highlighting the band’s ability to connect on a deeply personal level while still packing their trademark melodic punch. On the flip side, Pocket Rocket channels their punk-fueled chaos into a mosh-worthy anthem about embracing life’s unpredictability with a winking, mischievous edge that’s bound to light up live crowds.

Across the album, themes of escape and release resonate powerfully. Songs tackle the overwhelming excesses of modern life - work, stress, expectations - and offer a simple, grounding antidote: being with the people and places you love. Other tracks explore overcoming personal demons, navigating the tensions of relationships, and finding a rhythm that’s authentically your own. The lyrics are sharp and unfiltered, often laced with humour, yet always anchored by a sense of self-awareness and camaraderie.

With a sound that nods to the early eras of punk icons like Green Day and Weezer while embracing the melodic expansiveness of bands like Catfish and the Bottlemen, ‘Do What Ya Wanna’ marks a natural evolution for Beddy Rays. It’s a reminder of the power of letting loose, staying true to yourself, and finding beauty in both chaos and connection. 

Frontman Jacko reflects, “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.”