Australia has long been a powerhouse of psychedelic rock. The continent has churned out bands like The Murlocs, Stonefield, the critically acclaimed Tame Impala, and internationally renowned King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard. That signature blend of droning guitars and phased drums has become so distinct that I can almost always tell when a band is from Down Under. Nestled somewhere between the underground and the mainstream, Grinding Eyes has returned with their third LP.
Out of Focus is a compelling addition to this already vibrant scene.
Formed in 2015, Grinding Eyes has earned a reputation for their explosive live performances and relentless touring schedule. The band has shared the stage with the likes of Dinosaur Jr., Mudhoney, Amyl & The Sniffers, and The Jesus and Mary Chain, just to name a few. My introduction to the band came through their split with Swervedriver. Shortly after, their sophomore album Taste the Monochrome became one of my favorite sleeper hits of 2021.
Crafting a dark soundscape of shoegaze, psychedelia, and a hint of goth, the group’s sound is unique and alluring. Their new album raises the bar with a bolder, more refined approach to experimentation. While they’ve have always flirted with the avant-garde, this record feels sharper and more intentional.
This experimentation is all about pushing boundaries.
It’s clear the primary focus behind this record was to bring thematic elements to the forefront. But instead of losing themselves in noise and abstraction, Grinding Eyes remains true to their core sound. Their ability to merge multiple sounds adjacent to garage rock is unmatched.
Out of Focus has the compelling ability to glide effortlessly between tones. This balance is clear from the start, with the sprawling opener “The Reflection” and the immediate follow-up, “Elevator Sky.” One minute, it’s soaring euphoria and shadowy desperation the next. “We Move Slowly” channels a Teenage Fanclub-style power-pop hook that feels like a sun-drenched summer anthem. On the other hand, “Translucent White” creeps along with the menace of a noir thriller.
No matter what sonic territory they explore, Grinding Eyes create a cohesive and captivating whole.
In many ways, that’s a fitting metaphor for the Australian psychedelic rock scene at large. Unlike in the U.S., where passing trends often force artists to chase relevance or risk fading out, Australia’s scene feels more grounded and more forgiving. Audiences give bands room to evolve—not just survive. The band freely embodies that spirit, pushing the limits of psychedelic noise rock could be with fearless creativity. Out of Focus is a bold statement and a standout example of what international psych can be in 2025.
Out of Focus is currently available on vinyl from Little Cloud Records and streaming on Bandcamp.