There are no false promises with False Heights. Hailing from Taupō, 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 and bass guitar. Their material offers a uniquely independent feel, melding the 2000s rock sound of Jimmy Eat World and Blink-182 to the commercial singer-songwriter energies of Taylor Swift and Paramore.

In the studio, False Heights are a duo, but their live performances range from loop pedal-focused sets to an 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.

With a simple, earnest goal to play “cool gigs all over the world”, False Heights are a thrilling new voice on the Aotearoa music scene. Authentic, entertaining and undeniably ambitious, there’s no telling how high this Kiwi duo will fly.