Powder Chutes are carrying the torch for Aotearoa hard rock

Hard rock is alive and well in Aotearoa. Our legacy icons - Shihad, The Datsuns, Blindspott and others leave a lot to live up to. But Powder Chutes are on the road to emulating their quality, intensity and success. They've just released Rivers - a hard hitting rock n roll ballad with big riffs and a level of energy that is rarely matched.

Rivers is the first new material from the band since their 2025 debut album and follows a national tour that helped cement their reputation as one of New Zealand's emerging rock acts to watch.

Recorded at Auckland's Parachute Studios with producer Dave Rhodes, the track offers a glimpse into Powder Chutes' forthcoming second album. The band says Rivers quickly became a standout in their live set before making its way into the studio.

Rivers emerged as an instant live favourite. The fierce crowd response we saw on tour really matches the power and energy we poured into this recording.

Lyrically, the song explores mental health and the challenges of maintaining a sense of self while navigating medication, relationships and the pressures of modern life.

Powder Chutes formed in Wānaka and have built a growing audience through a combination of touring and a sound that draws from grunge, punk and hard rock.