IVY Channel Generational Frustration on Hot New Single ‘Gutter’
Fast becoming one of Aotearoa’s most exciting emerging acts, Dunedin’s alt-rock five-piece IVY today return with powerful new single Gutter.
Following on from the success of their 2025 debut album Hush, and a string of charting singles and acclaimed live performances – IVY continue to build on their reputation for outstanding alt-rock, with Gutter showcasing everything that has made the band ones to watch.
Written from the perspective of a soldier who slowly realises he is fighting in vain – fighting for a lie – Gutter uses that character as a metaphor for the narratives imposed on society.
“It’s basically about frustration with the current geopolitical situation,” says frontman Jesse Hanan. “It comes from that feeling of being ‘led up the garden path’, like we’re constantly being told what to think and how to live without really questioning it. The song digs into how we’re expected to function inside a capitalistic system that doesn’t feel fair, especially when it seems like the worst people end up benefiting the most.
“Artistically, this song is meant to represent a sense of optimistic nihilism that I think a lot of young people feel. Because everything can feel so distressing, many reject capitalist and nationalist narratives and instead choose to value peace and human life on their own terms. That’s what Gutter is trying to encompass.”
Jesse continues to say that he hopes the song will inspire action, encouraging people to acknowledge “their own frustrations and not shy away from them”.
Blending dark, brooding textures with dynamic instrumentation, towering choruses, poetic lyricism and commanding vocal performances, Gutter finds IVY continuing to push the creative boundaries of their sound. Made with support from NZOA, the release marks another bold step forward for a band continuing to establish themselves as one of Aotearoa’s most promising export-ready alt-rock acts.
IVY is made up of Jesse Hanan (vocals, rhythm guitar), James Axton (lead guitar), Connor Cooper (bass), Ocean Temple Wilson (drums) and Louis Stevenson (violin).
Since forming in 2022, IVY have built a strong live reputation through appearances at Snow Machine, Southern Sounds, Burning Horse, OUSA Ori and Going Global, alongside two headline South Island tours and a national tour. One of the defining moments of the band’s career came when they performed with the 26-piece Dunedin Youth Orchestra at the Dunedin Arts Festival, showcasing both IVY’s musical ambition and Ōtepoti’s vibrant creative community.
Gutter follows an impressive run of releases from 2025 album Hush, including singles Loon, Tall Grass and Whispers, all of which spent multiple weeks on the NZ RadioScope Alternative Chart. Loon also reached the Hot 20 Aotearoa Singles and RadioScope Alternative Most Added Charts. Their work was also recognised in 2024 when they received the SRN People’s Choice Award, and with more than 500,000 streams, 11,000 tickets sold, 9,000 social media followers and an ever-expanding fanbase, IVY are not looking set to stop any time soon.
