Mako Road fly high with summer jam ‘Helicopter’
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15.12.2020

Mako Road fly high with summer jam ‘Helicopter’

Words by Kiera Varrese

Breezy indie-rock to send out the year.

Kiwi four-piece Mako Road has ended 2020 on a high with their energetic new track ‘Helicopter’, a welcome return since their debut and sophomore releases ‘The Green Superintendent’ and ‘Local Safari’ in 2018.

The independent act from Christchurch consists of Rhian Ward, Connor Jaine, Connor McErlich, and Robbie Day. Known for their self-produced garage recordings, Mako Road has been a breath of fresh air to music fans and critics alike.

‘Helicopter’ holds onto the warmth of their previous EPs, which have an easygoing reggae-infused bounce akin to Ocean Alley. However, Mako Road up the tempo and embrace a newfound indie-pop vibrancy.

The track features atmospheric guitar riffs layered over dreamy synth pads, with Rhian’s vocals sitting deep in the mix. ‘Helicopter’ has the indie-pop sensibilities of Vampire Weekend and Two Door Cinema Club with a gritty psychedelic edge. With all the makings of a perfect summer tune, ‘Helicopter’ feels like an optimistic send-out to the year.

The music video is an exciting preview into the return of live music, filled with shots from Mako Road’s recent sold-out set at Auckland’s Powerstation. Featuring close-up shots of the audience having the time of their lives, it’s bound to get Aussies a little bit jealous!

Mako Road have long been making waves, performing at festivals such as Splendour In The Grass, Electric Avenue, Sound Splash, Bay Dreams and Rhythm and Vines. They’ve also been support acts for Rudimental, L.A.B, Leisure, Shapeshifter and Ziggy Alberts.

The band has a big month ahead, touring their home country throughout December and the new year. Fans of Mako Road will be pleased to hear that they will be touring Australia in 2021, so keep an eye out for dates!

Listen to ‘Helicopter’ below 

For more from Mako Road, head to their website