Fresh Talent: Falter

The young band from Christchurch’s Mairehau High School had to surrender its name early on in its lifetime. Originally named Phoenics Rising, Simon Hughes (vocals/guitar), Ben Malone (bass/backing vocals) and Richard Orr (drums) discovered that a local barbershop quartet already laid claim to the moniker.

Ironically, it was when the boys decided on the name Falter, a word that means 'to be unsteady in purpose or action, as from loss of courage or confidence’, or 'to waver’, that things really began to happen for them.

Having been together for only one year, Falter impressively placed second in the national Rockquest in 2002, and then won the competition outright the following year. The Falter sound that took them to the top consists of a unique blend of Kiwi indie rock, showcasing infectious melodies without compromising the band’s obvious desire to rock out.

This sound was strengthened with the addition of second guitarist Thomas Bloy in 2004. Although it was before his time in the band, he acknowledges that the Rockquest win proved to be a real catalyst to the band’s success.

"It was a big helping hand in getting our first single out, Falling – along with a video," he says.

As part of the prize package, Falling and Fear of Heights were recorded at Auckland’s York Street Studios, and subsequently received considerable airplay across national radio stations. Both songs were included on the 'Fear of Heights’ EP released through Nelson’s Smalltime Records label, alongside two un-released tracks and two remixes of Falling.

The video to Falling was directed by none other than Joe Lonie, famed for his work with Goodshirt among others.

"It seemed to get a good reception," says Thomas. "It was nominated for Breakthrough video at the 2004 Juice TV Video Awards."

Falter has also performed several high-profile live support slots, including local artists DegreesK, Stardrunk, 48May and most recently Shihad at the Cusp New Year’s Eve celebrations in Nelson.

"The next step for Falter is to record our next single Splinter in March, with a tour of the North Island as well," says Thomas. "We’re concentrating a lot on song writing at the moment. It seems to be moving in a bit of a new direction, so we are just really into that at the moment."