Brooklyn four-piece Be Decent is preparing to introduce their debut full-length album, Now’s The Time, arriving September 18, 2026 via Two Slices Records. Ahead of the release, the band has unveiled their latest single “You Better Work,” an energetic anthem built around growth, self-improvement, and the determination to move beyond familiar patterns.
Following the previously released track “Human Nature,” featuring guest vocals from Ted Leo, “You Better Work” highlights the band’s unique blend of vintage ska, reggae, soul, and punk influences. Driven by bright horn arrangements, upbeat rhythms, and a message of perseverance, the song captures Be Decent’s ability to turn personal reflection into a feel-good musical experience.
Saxophonist Matt Mason describes the track as an “ode to growth, to moving on, change, and self-improvement,” encouraging listeners to step outside their comfort zones and embrace the challenges that come with personal progress.
Formed in Brooklyn in 2022, Be Decent features Jimmy Doyle (vocals/guitar), Matt Mason (baritone and tenor saxophone/vocals), Ken Partridge (bass), and Geoff Bickford (drums). Drawing inspiration from classic ska, reggae, and soul traditions alongside punk, power pop, and the British bands that helped reshape those sounds in the late ’70s and early ’80s, the group has developed a style that feels both timeless and forward-thinking.
Across Now’s The Time, Be Decent tackles themes including mental health, financial uncertainty, social division, and the daily struggles of modern life. Songs like “Struggle,” “You Better Work,” and “H.O.L.E.” explore personal pressure and economic instability, while tracks including “Hateful,” “Try Not To Die,” and “Can’t Argue” examine a world increasingly shaped by conflict and distrust.
Despite the heavier subjects, Now’s The Time remains a record centered on resilience. The album’s title track delivers a message of persistence in uncertain times, while “All That I Need” celebrates the restorative energy and connection found within New York City.
Recorded at Deep Dive Recording in Brooklyn, Now’s The Time was produced by Be Decent, recorded by Mitch Rackin, and mixed by Agent Jay Nugent of The Slackers. The album also features contributions from Ted Leo, Sean McCabe, Logan Worsley, and Desmond Partridge. Artwork was created by J. Bonner, whose previous work includes designs for Rancid, Jimmy Cliff, and Studio One.
With 15 original songs packed with horns, hooks, and messages of perseverance, Be Decent’s debut album arrives as a reminder that progress requires action — and sometimes you just need to put in the work.
