Play For Keeps is the re-branded Ōtautahi five-piece of Simon Hart (vocals, rhythm guitar), Tim Cederman (bass and bvs), Nic Hart (keys and bvs), Rob Grover (lead guitar), and Andy Gibbs on drums.

Originally performing as Ellie Oak, the group released a self-titled EP in 2024. Two years on ‘Hey Love’ is their debut EP as Play For Keeps. Showcasing a melodic indie pop-rock style that’s an extremely cool outlet for propelling hope and joy, it was produced by Tom Healy whose previous work includes Tiny Ruins and Marlon Williams. 

With a wealth of musical talent and ambitions, the band doesn’t shy away from lyrics and melodies soaked in honesty, humour, and realism. Amid honest reflections of self and the world, ‘Hey Love’ explores the emotions, rawness, and need for connection present in this thing we call life.

First single and EP opener Handsome Boy is immediately engaging, with a great lighthearted sing-along nature. Combining upfront vocals, electric guitar, and drums, Handsome Boy is, simply put, handsome. Yet behind this layer, which feels so vividly alive and attainable, is a stark and pointed message. Power in the wrong hands can quickly be abused and challenging that power via satire and music is Play For Keeps’ powerful reply. Handsome Boy is accompanied by an invitingly warm video of the band in a homely rehearsal space, captured by Nick Kowalski.
Born out of the wonder of whether the person you like likes you back, Presumptuous is a true feel-good song that could easily be the soundtrack for a coming-of-age film. Brimming with fun it’s an upbeat guitar-driven track with loud and infectious instrumentation. A love song of sorts, it’s a simple call to have the guts to admit those feelings and ask that person out.
Out of the Dark is more explicitly cinematic, starting slightly relaxed but building into a layered sounds that beautifully uplift the melodic vocals. The track has subtle remnants of pop-rock greats like The Beths and, dare I say, The Killers. Inspired by some of the band members’ own love stories woven into Ōtautahi, Out of the Dark follows a beautiful story of love and chemistry, and those youthful innocent feelings of a first date.
The EP’s title track Hey Love continues the heart-warming landscape of love and triumph crafted by Play For Keeps, striking drums and gang vocals building the song towards an excited crescendo. A musical picture of what a relationship looks like; that it’s hard work to choose love always, even in the midst of pain. This reality check has a playfully candid visual portrayal in Joel Wallan’s music video.
Play For Keeps’ debut EP is not to be skipped, rather ‘Hey Love’ encourages repeated loud joyful replays. These four fun but meaningful tracks provide an ultimate soundtrack for every relationship, every high and low, and for all indie-pop loving lovers. Play For Keeps have signalled they’re here to stay.