Brooklyn four-piece Be Decent have shared ‘You Better Work’, the latest single from their debut album, ‘Now’s The Time’, due September 18, 2026 via Two Slices Records.

Following ‘Human Nature’, which features guest vocals from Ted Leo, the new track turns the band’s energetic mix of ska, reggae, soul and punk into an uplifting song about growth, change and the need to move beyond familiar patterns.

Saxophonist Matt Mason explains:

“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!”

Formed in Brooklyn in 2022, Be Decent bring together singer and guitarist Jimmy Doyle, saxophonist Matt Mason, bassist Ken Partridge and drummer Geoff Bickford. Their sound draws on vintage ska, reggae and soul, as well as punk, power pop and the British groups that pushed those traditions into new territory during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Across ‘Now’s The Time’, the band address mental health, financial instability and the wider divisions of modern American life. ‘Struggle’ and ‘You Better Work’ deal with personal pressure and the effort required to keep moving, while ‘H.O.L.E.’ explores the emptiness that can come with economic uncertainty. Elsewhere, ‘Hateful’, ‘Try Not To Die’ and ‘Can’t Argue’ turn toward a society increasingly defined by conflict and distrust.

Despite those concerns, the album remains driven by resilience rather than resignation. ‘All That I Need’ celebrates the restorative pull of New York City, while the title track offers a direct response to uncertainty: “Most things are out of your control / Don’t let uncertainty take hold.”

‘Now’s The Time’ was mixed by ‘Agent’ Jay Nugent of The Slackers and recorded by Mitch Rackin, who also handled mastering. The album was produced by Be Decent and features additional contributions from Ted Leo, Sean McCabe, Logan Worsley and Desmond Partridge. Its artwork was created by J Bonner, whose previous credits include Rancid, Jimmy Cliff and Studio One.

‘You Better Work’ is out now. ‘Now’s The Time’ will be released on September 18, 2026 via Two Slices Records.

Headline photo: Graham Ferguson

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