Coconut Shy have spent much of their early catalogue exploring the heavier corners of reflection, but ‘Small Steps (Paces)’ finds the Melbourne four-piece opening the windows and letting some light in.
Built around warm indie textures and an easy sense of forward motion, the track trades melancholy for something more openly encouraging. The shift works because it never feels forced, as frontman Joseph Mackey’s writing still carries the same thoughtful streak. Only this time the focus is on momentum, self-belief and the value of continuing even when progress feels almost invisible.
Musically, the band lean into the more expansive side of their sound. There are echoes of early Coldplay in the emotional lift and Mumford & Sons in the rousing folk-rock spirit, while the melodic ease also fits comfortably alongside the brighter end of contemporary Australian indie.
It’s a sense of scale that also reflects Coconut Shy’s development from Mackey’s solo project into a full band. This song feels written with that wider dynamic in mind, balancing intimacy with enough sweep to suggest where their forthcoming debut album could go.
More than anything, the single is refreshing in its lack of cynicism. Optimism in indie music can sometimes feel overly polished or sentimental, but Coconut Shy avoid that by keeping the song emotionally direct.
Warm, melodic and genuinely uplifting, ‘Small Steps (Paces)’ is a convincing change of pace and one of the clearest signs yet that Coconut Shy are growing comfortably into their full-band identity.