Dune Rats & Beddy Rays @ Bodega Social Club, Nottingham
- Alice Mason
- May 26, 2023
- 3 min read
Review and Photos by Alice Mason
Dune Rats and Beddy Rays, two of the most popular and favoured rock bands in Australia right now gave fans a sweaty night full of mosh pits and perfect punk noise at The Bodega Social Club in Nottingham.
Beddy Rays from Reddy Bay, Australia are a 4-piece surf-rock/indie band who started off as tradesmen in the outskirts of Brisbane. They released their debut EP ‘Lost Found Beat Around’ in 2017 and following the success of their sublime single ‘Sobercoaster’, Beddy Rays became one of Triple J’s Unearthed Feature Artist before releasing their phenomenal debut self-titled album 2 years later. They are now one of Australia’s core indie rock bands that aussie alternatives adore.
Dune Rats, a well-established punk rock band also from Brisbane, originally started off as a duo with Danny Beus and BC Michael Marks, before becoming a 3 piece with the addition of Brett Jansch to give the band’s music another dimension. In 2014, Dunies released their debut album through their own record label ‘Ratbag Records’. The band now have a seriously impressive collection of impeccable music including their most recent album ‘Real Rare Whale’ which they are currently touring the world with.
The Australian lads landed in one of Nottingham’s most loved music venues with humour, loud guitars and lots of body hair in pure aussie fashion. Beddy Rays were the perfect warm up for Dune Rats and the friendship between all members of both bands filled the room with joy and laughter.
Beddy Rays opened their set with one of the most exquisite tracks from their debut record ‘Week on Repeat’ followed by an extensive setlist of new and old bops like ‘Better Weather.’ I have been a fan of Beddy Rays for about 3 years and when they were announced as the support for Dune Rats’ UK/EU Rampage Tour, I was about ready to combust with excitement. So, to see 2 of my favourite bands in one of my favourite venues was a super special experience. I got the chance to tell Beddy Rays bassist Bradley O’Connor how they were one of the first Australian bands I discovered, which
led to me getting a case of verbal diarrhoea expressing my love for their music. Let’s hope they had a couple of Bodega Lager’s beforehand, so he doesn’t remember me rambling on to him.
Dune Rats and all their long hair arrived on stage full of life and energy to open their set with ‘LTD’, a track full of pure happiness and juxtaposing heavy vocals, guitar and drums. Their whole set was performed with intensity, vivacity and fun and it was the perfect night for Dune Rats fans to see them live in the UK. One of the highlights of the gig for me was hearing ‘Scott Green’ performed in real life. An iconic song that never dulls with age and one all Dunies fans know and love. ‘Dali Llama, Big Banana, Marijuana’ is a masterpiece in the title itself, however this was the first Dune Rats song I
ever listened to in 2020, 5 years after its release and it made me fall in love with the stupidity and ridiculousness of this insanely talented and totally unique quintessential Australian band.
I really hope that both bands manage to get their visa’s extended so they can come back and tour the UK again so more people can experience the pure chaos, fun and impressive facial hair.
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You can check out Beddy Rays' on Spotify / Apple Music / Instagram / Twitter / YouTube and all the rest..
Also check out their new single 'Rhythms' and their Linktree for tickets to upcoming shows, groovy merch and more..
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And of course don't forget about the Aussie three-piece (or 'three hyperactive stoner cunts' as they call themselves).. Dune Rats!
Take a look at their Spotify / Apple Music / Instagram / Twitter / YouTube as well as their official website where you can cop some pretty sick merch and check out their upcoming shows!
Their most recent album 'Real Rare Whale' is available to stream now::
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