FRIDAY, 11TH APRIL 2025

Review: Powder Chutes – raw power refined to a blade’s edge

When a band builds a buzz loud enough to catch the ears of international rock royalty before their debut album even drops, you know you’re not dealing with just another garage project. Powder Chutes, from Wanaka, have been steadily setting New Zealand’s rock landscape ablaze—now, with their self-titled debut album, they’ve delivered the sonic eruption we’ve all been bracing for.

From the opening riff of “Merchants,” it’s clear that Powder Chutes is not here to hold back. There’s an urgency baked into every second of this record—raw, unrelenting, but strikingly polished. This is rock music that bleeds authenticity while flashing just enough finesse to make it stadium-worthy. It’s no wonder Johnny Stevens of Highly Suspect dubbed them “the coolest lads in the country” and yanked them out of the crowd to share the stage at Spark Arena.

Let’s talk tone. Powder Chutes lean into a sound that’s equal parts post-grunge grit, early 2000s angst, and modern hard rock sharpness. Fans of Tool, Turnstile, or Pearl Jam will find familiar shadows here, but nothing feels borrowed. Songs like “Vendetta” and “Scalpel” are built around seismic riffs and dynamic rhythmic shifts, with frontman Henry McConnell’s vocals sitting perfectly between a growl and a plea. “Scalpel,” in particular, is a highlight—a slow-burn eruption anchored by the kind of riff Josh Homme might send a congratulatory text about.

The band’s reworking of five early EP tracks into fully re-recorded album versions was a smart move. They don’t just feel cleaned up—they feel evolved. “Blind” and “Singing It Off” now hit with the clarity and confidence of a band who’ve found their voice, even as they continue to sharpen their edge.

The second half of the album—especially “Dutchies” and “Haunted”—reveals more of Powder Chutes' emotional depth. This isn’t just aggression for aggression’s sake. There's introspection, atmosphere, and restraint when needed, giving the album a much-needed dynamic range. “Mellow Song” offers a breath of smoky melancholy, while “Take It Or Leave It” barrels forward like a runaway freight train of discontent.

There are moments where the band’s youthful intensity teeters on overwhelming—but that’s part of the thrill. If anything, the occasional wildness adds to the record’s appeal. Powder Chutes are not here to play it safe—they’re here to plant a flag.

The production deserves its own nod. This album sounds massive without losing its sense of grit. The mix captures both the chaotic energy of their live shows and the precision of a band who clearly take their craft seriously. It’s rugged, but never sloppy—raw, but never unrefined.

The closing track, “The Other,” is a perfect final statement: haunting, layered, and punchy—a reminder that these are not just songs, but declarations. Powder Chutes aren’t promising potential anymore; they’re delivering on it.

Powder Chutes is the kind of debut that feels less like an introduction and more like a coronation. It’s a thunderous, tightly-wound collection of riffs, hooks, and heart, bursting with purpose and confidence. If this is where they begin, the rest of the world better start paying attention. New Zealand has found its next great rock export—and they’re just getting warmed up.