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False Heights - EP Review: No? Who...?

24 Apr 2018 // A review by butch181

Starting the EP off, In My Memory, begins with some light piano chords and delicate vocals from April Nisbet. With an incredible short vocal hook of a “chorus”, and layers of harmonies and additional backing vocals, the audial performance is so captivating that the gradual addition of instrumentation is almost not noticed until the end of the track. 

Moving onto Cascades, the track begins again with repeating keys; an integral element of their sound. Despite the heavy toms and punchy keys, the track flows and surges with a velvety sound, the vocals softened enough to balance being simultaneously strong and relaxed.

The short but sweet 6-track EP are over in 25 minutes but the No? Who…? is a superbly light-hearted release that is guaranteed to lift the mood of any that are within earshot. The clarity of the piano pieces and on-point vocal melodies provide class and authenticity to this Taupo duo’s music. Nisbet and Ashley Pirie are well in sync with each other, and the music is embedded with an innocence and energy which one can only imagine is magnified during their live performances.

A superb debut release. Nothing else needs to be said.


Review written by Alex Moulton

 

About False Heights

There are no false promises with False Heights. Hailing from Taupo, New Zealand, this quirky pop-punk duo are a "symphony of music" (Stuff NZ) who bring a theatrical alternative edge to the mainstream world, and call listeners to raise their drinks high and celebrate that it’s okay not to be okay.

Ashley and April Pirie are the tight knit couple behind False Heights, an act born amidst living room crisis in 2016 where Ashley’s musical backing came to April’s rescue for an unexpected festival booking. The pair share a charismatic vocal interplay, and musical talents across drums, keys, guitar and bass. Their material offers a uniquely independent feel, melding the 2000s rock sound of Jimmy Eat World and Blink182 to the commercial singer-songwriter energies of Taylor Swift and Paramore.

In the studio, False Heights are a duo, but their live performances boast an exciting expanded band. Their fierce, high-energy shows have seen them open for acts like Pat Benatar and ZZ Top, as well as take the stage of major festivals including Rhythm and Vines and Sanctuary Sounds. In 2022, their eclectic EP Too Afraid To Try established a rapidly growing audience, who resonate with their “warm and fuzzy… pop sensibility” (Muzic NZ) and storytelling of navigating young adulthood.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for False Heights

Releases

Too Afraid To Try
Year: 2022
Type: EP

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