You might know WA brand Listen from their string of drops that approach streetwear with an equally nostalgic and future-facing lens. What you probably didn’t know is that the label has actually been around since the ’80s… kinda.

When we got wind of their latest release, Harmony In Contrast, we spoke to owner Charlie Wise, who revealed that Listen was originally started by his dad back in the day, selling environmentally friendly, surf-flavoured casualwear. After getting distracted with other business ventures, he closed up shop but continued to renew the Listen trademark.

Charlie envisioned taking over Listen after school, building on his dad’s values while reinvigorating the company with a fresh identity and direction. Inspired by the old brand graphics stored on transparent film at home, he turned that dream into reality in 2019. The first Listen release (or “VERSE”) in decades dropped, featuring a T-shirt design pulled straight from his dad’s archive, and established the brand as one that embraces bold designs while keeping things comfortable and laid-back.

Fast forward a few more years, and Harmony In Contrast is now online. The new unisex collection—featuring shirts, shorts, hats, hoodies, and socks—draws clear connections to the early surfwear boom while also feeling fresh and contemporary. Think the kind of designs you’d dream of finding in an op shop (but never would!). Standouts from the drop include the ‘Sounds Of Australia’ tee which features this washed out bird graphic, and the ‘Loud & Long’ shorts.

Listen will be popping up in Melbourne at 181 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, from the 10th to the 12th of January, offering a chance to preview an unreleased drop alongside some favourites from previous collections. For now, check out Harmony In Contrast released pieces below as well as a a sneak peak of what to expect at the Melbourne pop up and head here to shop the collection.