Castaway Is Back With Infectious New Single ‘Cuckoo’
Aotearoa’s rising pop-rock force Castaway continue their momentum with the release of their new single, Cuckoo – the latest glimpse into their upcoming body of work.
Castaway are five mates bound by music. Formed in Ōtautahi Christchurch, the band comprises Austen (bass), Jack (saxophone, keys), Jackson (vocals, keys, guitar), Joe (vocals, drums), and Rhys (guitar). The band blends pop-rock with alternative influences, and a boy-band flair. Their sound features driving guitars, punchy rhythms, sax-driven hooks and dual vocals – brought to life through high-energy performances built on anthemic choruses and emotional connection, leaving the crowds singing, dancing, and feeling it all.
Following their recent success opening for Six60 and Synthony at the One New Zealand Stadium, and the growing traction of recent singles Heart Attack and Her Favourite Song, Castaway return with Cuckoo. This latest single continues a run of releases signalling the band’s rise.
Cuckoo is an anthemic indie pop-rock track from Christchurch five-piece Castaway, blending driving guitars, soaring synths, and chant-worthy hooks in the spirit of Bleachers, Sam Fender, and Good Neighbours. Built around a relentless groove, bright guitars, and a singalong chorus, the track captures the raw energy of a band made for festival stages and packed rooms.
At its heart, Cuckoo is a story of obsession, longing, and youthful romance. In moments at bus stops, coffee shops, and drinking cheap wine, the song follows a magnetic free spirit who remains just out of reach. Torn between admiration and frustration, the narrator finds himself hopelessly captivated, unable to shake the memory of her smile. Equal parts nostalgic, euphoric, and emotionally restless, Cuckoo delivers a larger-than-life indie anthem that celebrates the beautiful chaos of wanting someone you can’t quite have.
Castaway have evolved from university jam sessions to sharing stages with Mitch James and Drax Project, lighting up Selwyn Sounds, and earning spins across ZM, The Hits, More FM, Radio Hauraki, and RNZ. With Cuckoo, they continue that trajectory – capturing a band not just on the rise, but stepping confidently into what comes next.
And the five-piece’s rise is already gaining traction! On May 16, Castaway took the stage at the Once In A Lifetime opening of One NZ Stadium in Ōtautahi, supporting Six60 and Synthony alongside Kaylee Bell and Cassie Henderson – a landmark moment that signals their arrival on a bigger platform.
Photo Credit: Tom Grut
