Meet Paraquay and take the trip from ‘Avalon To Avalon’!

Photo credit: Eve Wickson

Sometimes you hear a local band in their early days and know that they’ll have the country waiting on their every word in mere years. Naarm (Victoria) based darlings Paraquay are the prime example of this phenomenon, with this sophomore release Avalon to Avalon surely to be regarded as an Aussie classic in the coming decades. Composed of three of the hardest working young people you’ll find in the Aussie music scene, Paraquay is the brainchild of Gus Walker, complimented by the insane talent of Jade McKentish and Jett Willey. You’ve likely seen the band on the same bill as your favourite acts, including Hockey Dad and Bones And Jones, as Paraquay are truly no stranger to the stages of their local scene. 

Titularly inspired by the contrast from Avalon Beach (NSW) to the small suburb of Victoria, Avalon to Avalon is the soundtrack to life, love, and growing up in the tumultuous modern world. Described as a "Labour of love", the sophomore release from Paraquay is a diary of the band's early twenties experience, a "vessel for these massive growing pains so unique to your early twenties".

Avalon to Avalon opens with the semi-titular, atmosphere setting ‘Avalon’, before leading into the ever-catchy single ‘Rat’. The true core of this album is evident from the opening lyrical phrases, with the “ode to being in your twenties, in the twenties” reflected clearly in this gritty and spiteful reminisce on a relationship that broke itself down amidst the chaos of life. ‘High Octane’ slides in next, a charming slice of satire that introduces a burst of nuance to the otherwise heavily emotive coming-of-age soundtrack, before ‘Lost In Translation’ comes to ponder a growing divide with the begged question of “Why can’t you get what I mean?”. 

The lead album track, ‘Heavy’, takes a moment to focus on the most pressing weight facing young people in our modern world. We’ve inherited a planet plagued with irreparable damage, and Paraquay highlight the voices of the crowd, taking swings at political parties and generations who shrugged their shoulders at the climate crisis with their fury-filled lyrics.

Further into Avalon to Avalon, we are greeted by tender and emotionally self-realized pieces that showcase new levels of depth and emotional tenderness that has previously hidden behind the rockier façade of Paraquay. 'Harder For Myself' brings some introspective reflections and deep pondering, before the instrumental interlude of 'Still You' allows the audience to reflect on the lyrical weight shared this far into the album.

The gradual stab of adulthood through the fantasy of teenage love is spotlighted on 'Watch Me Leave', a piece laced with tender reflection and mature emotional realization. Coming in at a whopping seven minutes, 'Hear Me Out' balances the frightening abyss of the unknown with the comfort and warmth of late night drinks with an old friend. The emotional complexity so eloquently conveyed on this album is truly admirable, showing the songwriting talent and pure maturity contained within Paraquay. Closing off Avalon to Avalon is the classic Aussie indie-rock charm of 'Sydney Monorail', truly proving that Paraquay has mastered the balance of mature introspection and cheeky moments of electrifying fun.

This album is a love letter to the modern Australian indie-rock world, from some of the most passionate kids you'll find in the local scene. Avalon to Avalon is a must listen for your road trips or study sessions, early morning walks or evenings spent indoors, and every occasion in-between. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the Aussie indie band phenomenon or looking for the soundtrack to your coming-of-age journey, Paraquay truly have you covered on this album.

If you’re loving Avalon to Avalon, please consider supporting Paraquay through their Bandcamp, and sharing the album around your socials whilst you listen. Whether you’re now ready to consider yourself a Paraquay OG, or you’ve been sharing the love since day one, be sure to not sleep on this album because Avalon to Avalon will be a defining album for this generation of Australian indie music.