Wānaka Rockers Powder Chutes Unleash Self-Titled Debut Album, Announce Nationwide Aotearoa Tour

Wānaka, Aotearoa New Zealand – The burgeoning rock scene of Wānaka has delivered a significant new entry with the release of Powder Chutes’ highly anticipated self-titled debut album. The twelve-song collection was officially unveiled on Friday, April 11th, 2025, marking a pivotal moment for the South Island quartet.

A Comprehensive Debut Offering

The “Powder Chutes” album serves as a comprehensive distillation of the band’s journey thus far, incorporating their previously released singles that have garnered attention within the New Zealand music landscape. Beyond these established tracks, the album features five re-recorded selections from their earlier “Sweet Noise Pollution” EP, originally released in 2021. This inclusion provides a polished revisiting of fan favourites, showcasing the band’s evolution since their earlier work.

One notable re-recorded track from the “Sweet Noise Pollution” EP is their distinctive cover of Shapeshifter’s ‘Dutchies’, a testament to their eclectic influences and willingness to reinterpret iconic Aotearoa sounds through their rock lens. The album also introduces a brand new ballad titled ‘The Other’, signaling a potential expansion of their sonic palette beyond their signature high-energy rock.

Exploring Contemporary Aotearoa Themes

Lyrically, the debut album delves into a range of themes pertinent to contemporary life in Aotearoa New Zealand. Powder Chutes fearlessly tackle subjects such as the nation’s distinctive party culture, the rise of conspiracism in the digital age, navigating a complex post-Covid reality, and the universal experience of facing adversity. This thematic depth positions the album as more than just a collection of rock anthems, offering social commentary woven into powerful musical arrangements.

Building Momentum: From Support Slots to Headliners

Powder Chutes have been steadily building their profile in the lead-up to this debut. A notable milestone in their recent history includes supporting acclaimed US rock band Highly Suspect during their late 2024 tour dates. This experience on larger stages provided valuable exposure and honed their live performance capabilities, preparing them for their own headline run.

Announcing the Nationwide Tour

Accompanying the album release, Powder Chutes have announced a nationwide tour across Aotearoa throughout April and May. This extensive tour will bring their new material, alongside established favourites, to audiences across both the North and South Islands.

The tour commences on the album release day, April 11th, 2025, at the Water Bar in Wānaka, offering fans in their hometown the first opportunity to experience the new tracks live. The following night, April 12th, they will play at Yonder in Queenstown, continuing their Southern leg.

The tour then extends into May, with dates including May 9th at The Crown in Dunedin, May 16th at Sail & Anchor in Timaru, and May 17th at Wunderbar in Lyttelton, near Christchurch. The tour is currently set to conclude on May 22nd with a performance at the Underworld Tavern in Wellington, bringing their energetic show to the capital.

This tour represents a significant undertaking for the band, providing crucial support for their debut record and allowing them to connect directly with fans across the country. The release of “Powder Chutes” and the subsequent tour mark a defining chapter for the Wānaka group, positioning them as a notable force in the evolving sound of New Zealand rock music.