‘Paradise’ is the latest release by Grazer, the musical project of Melbourne couple Mollie and Matt. Formed in late 2019, the duo quickly established themselves within Melbourne’s rich DIY scene, crafting a sound that sits comfortably at the intersection of ’80s indie pop and ’90s shoegaze.
For context, the band made the most of the lockdown period by bunkering down in a Carlton basement to self-record their first EP and early singles, “Fever Dream” and “Joe’s Sad Song,” which were later produced by fellow Australian Rob Wolfe. In March 2021, Grazer released “Nostalgia Seed,” the first glimpse of their upcoming LP. Within its first week, the single was embraced by both listeners and streaming platforms, earning multiple playlist placements and even landing on the cover of Spotify’s Fresh Finds: Rock. Needless to say, I was extremely curious to hear what they had prepared next.
“Paradise” is a warm, nostalgic track that recalls the excitement and uncertainty of early romance, saturated with the melancholic optimism that often accompanies youth. Its atmosphere is built around reverberated melodic guitar riffs, echoing male and female vocal harmonies, and melodic, high-register basslines that gently carry the song forward. Listening to it, I couldn’t help but think of a meeting point between The Smiths and Slowdive: the jangly melodicism of the former filtered through the hazy, immersive textures of the latter.
What stood out to me the most is how effortlessly Grazer captures a feeling of nostalgia without relying solely on retro aesthetics. The song doesn’t try to recreate the past; instead, it borrows from those influences to express something timeless. The dual vocals intertwine naturally, adding warmth and intimacy to the performance, while the shimmering guitars and restrained rhythm section allow the melodies to remain at the center of the experience.
“Paradise” isn’t a song built around dramatic climaxes or sudden shifts. It succeeds by committing to its atmosphere from beginning to end, inviting the listener to sit inside its dreamy textures and gentle momentum. It’s the kind of track that feels tailor-made for late afternoon drives, quiet moments of reflection, or simply getting lost in a pair of headphones. If this single is any indication of what’s to come, Grazer continues to prove why they’re one of the most compelling names in Australia’s modern shoegaze and indie pop scene. You can check it out here:
Written by Joshua Cotrim
