‘Powder Chutes’ is the debut album from the up-and-coming Wānaka four-piece rock act made up of Archie Orbell on drums, Clarke West (guitar), Henry McConnell (vocals), and Otis Murphy on bass. Bandmates through school, Powder Chutes have very quickly since made a name for themselves, gaining praise both nationally and in international press coverage for their incredibly catchy, buzzy riffs, melodic lyricism and punchy fills.

Holding faithfully to strong ’90s-rock roots, ‘Powder Chutes’ shows off their signature sound; an album filled with screaming solos and no shortage of blasting drum beats that perfectly hold everything together. Still teenagers, the band is known for having a classic heavy rock sound with strong vocal hooks, and they certainly don’t lack presence or volume. Like them each song on the album punches far above its weight.

Combining six previously released singles with six unreleased tracks the overall cohesion and flow of the entire album is outstanding, with every song flowing nicely into the next, making it simply a pleasure to listen to. Moths to the Flame, a ripping standout and their most successful single so far, transitions easily into Dutchies, an overdrive-blasted headbanging 6-minute ballad. The band wields feedback in a way that is raw but still tamed, utilising it to transition between songs more than once.

Many of their lyrics also strongly represent the band’s identity as a good, old-fashioned hard rock band with incredibly strong Kiwi roots. Straights, the second track on the album, for instance references a lot of drinking and driving down the backroads of small towns (shoutout Wānaka!).

‘Powder Chutes’ is an incredible album for every rock fan, no matter if you’re just getting into heavier music or are a regular hard rock listener. Including their convincing version of Shapeshifter’s Dutchies there is not a single song on this album that doesn’t have an absolutely ripping riff and catchy lyrics. It’s very clear why this young band is quickly making a name for themselves as one of the best new rock acts in Aotearoa. Mahi pai, Powder Chutes.