Exclusive Video Premiere: Be Decent’s ‘You Better Work’
“It’s self-help ska, only not as dreadful as that sounds.”
-Be Decent’s Ken Partridge
Be Decent – an instructively named neo-ska quartet from Brooklyn – are fixated on the September 18 release date for their debut record, Now’s the Time. But first things first (or second, in this case): The band needs to slip out a couple of singles to lather captive indie-rockers with interest. The first tune came in the form of “Human Nature,” featuring Ted Leo; today, The Bad Penny exclusively brings you Be Decent’s second single, “You Better Work,” and accompanying video for it.
Calling to mind a reprimand from father or a frustrated exclamation directed at one’s self while trying to fix a laptop, “You Better Work” is a chipper, affirmative song with saxophone flourishes and undeniable reggae influences.
Be Decent consists of Jimmy Doyle (guitar, vocals); Matt Mason (baritone, tenor saxophone, vocals); Ken Partridge (bass); and Geoff Bickford (drums).
Partridge told The Bad Penny in an exclusive statement on Monday: “This one’s full of great advice that’s not always easy to follow. It’s a reminder to forget about the bad stuff and move forward with the good. It’s self-help ska, only not as dreadful as that sounds.”
Saxophonist Matt Mason explained in a press statement: “An ode to growth, to moving on, change, and self-improvement: ‘Get out of your comfort zone… It’s time for you to grow… don’t let it overwhelm you.’ This song should feel uplifting, hopeful, and self-reflective. Growth and change can be tough, but you have to put in the work, or you’ll stay stagnant. Forward!”
Now’s the Time will be released on September 18 through Two Slices Records, an indie label connected to Be Decent and artist Jimmy Doyle.
For more Bad Penny exclusives, check out:
• Duane Denison Partners in His New Band D2 Archipelago Says LP, More Gigs Likely
• Video Premiere: Weather Happy’s ‘It Leaks Out’
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