Falling Joys
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Headquarters | Canberra , Australia |
| Products | Music albums, singles, EPs |
Falling Joys is an alternative rock group originating from Canberra, Australia, established in 1985. The founding members were Suzie Higgie as lead vocalist and guitarist, alongside Stuart G. Robertson on bass guitar. By late 1988, Higgie and Robertson, who had switched to guitar, were joined by Pat Hayes handling bass and vocals, with Pete Velzen on drums. Their discography includes three studio albums: Wish List (1990), Psychohum (1992), and Aerial (1993), the latter two achieving positions within the Top 50 on the ARIA Albums Chart. The band ceased activity in 1995 but later reunited in 2011 and once more in July 2016.
1985–1989: Formation and Omega
Falling Joys came together in Canberra in 1985 featuring Suzie Higgie (formerly of Get Set Go) on lead vocals and guitar, Anthony Merrilees on drums, Robin Miles contributing keyboards and vocals, with Stuart G. Robertson playing bass and providing vocals. Following early personnel shifts—including the exit of Merrilees, Miles, and saxophonist Andrew McFarlane—the group moved to Sydney in 1986, adding Ken Doll on drums. They recorded the single "Burnt So Low," incorporating Craig Adam on keyboards; this track was released in January 1987 after signing with Volition Records.
By late 1988, Higgie and Robertson had enlisted Pat Hayes (bass/vocals) and Pete Velzen (drums), both connected to prominent Canberra musicians such as Bernie Hayes (Club Hoy) and Anthony Hayes, also known as Stevie Plunder (The Plunderers). This ensemble also performed under the name Shout Brothers at the Sandringham Hotel, cultivating a dedicated local following. During this period, Robertson worked in video tape operations while Higgie was employed as a vision mixer. Falling Joys were affiliated with the Duckberg collective—an independent label supporting various artists.
From June 1988 through July 1989, they issued singles including "Nearly a Sin," "You're in a Mess," and "Tunnel Vision," culminating in their debut EP titled Ω (Omega), which was released in November 1989. Musicologist Ian McFarlane highlighted Higgie’s distinctive breathy vocal style as a defining characteristic. Critics praised the EP for its strong songwriting and commercial viability, describing their sound as "pop with muscle." The band frequently performed at venues such as the ANU Refectory Bar in Canberra and Sydney’s Annandale Hotel, supporting international acts like Buzzcocks during their 1989 tour.
1990–1992: Wish List & Psychohum
Their first full-length album, Wish List, was released in December 1990. It received significant airplay on the national youth radio station 2JJJ–FM and reached within the top 60 on the ARIA Albums Chart. Production credits for eleven of the twelve tracks go to Adrian Bolland alongside Falling Joys themselves; "You're in a Mess" was produced by John Harvey.
Higgie remarked on their growing opportunities for touring in the United States; early in 1991, the band embarked on a six-week North American tour spanning cities from Vancouver to New York. A May concert at the ANU Refectory demonstrated heightened energy levels and guitar performance surpassing what was captured on Wish List. Additionally, vocal responsibilities were shared among members.
The lead single "Lock It" attained a peak position of number 55 on the ARIA Singles Chart in February 1991. Pat Hayes explained that its creation was a collaborative effort within the band, while Higgie later described it as conveying the exhilaration associated with new romantic feelings. This track helped attract a fresh audience due to its sincere emotional expression.
The subsequent single "Jennifer" was released in April 1991, followed by a five-track EP in August 1992 that also reached the top 60 on the ARIA Singles Chart. The title song was dedicated to Higgie’s sister, Jennifer Higgie. After completing a European tour in 1991, Falling Joys recorded their second album, Psychohum, which came out in May 1992 and achieved their highest chart position at number 35 on the ARIA Albums Chart.
Compared to their debut, Psychohum presented a more aggressive sound with a live feel and featured singles such as "Black Bandages," "Incinerator," and "A Winter's Tale." This transition toward a more vigorous rock style combined with softer vocal delivery earned them recognition by Rolling Stone Australia as the most popular independent act at the 1993 Australian Music Awards.
1993–1997: Aerial and disbandment
In August 1993, the band unveiled their third studio album, Aerial, produced by Paul McKercher. The recording sessions took place over a three-week period in Kangaroo Valley, followed by mixing in Sydney. Higgie remarked on the simplicity of working outside conventional studio environments, highlighting how the natural surroundings fueled their creativity. The album attained a peak position of No. 46 on the ARIA Albums Chart.
Reviewers regarded Aerial as the group's most polished and unified release, noting its relaxed yet varied approach that steered clear of mainstream trends. The record encompassed a spectrum of sounds ranging from pop influences to robust guitar-driven rhythms, all tied together by a consistent and vibrant energy.
In July 1994, drummer Velzen departed due to family obligations and was succeeded by Jason Morrisby, who contributed to the EP Universal Mind. The band performed their concluding concert on 5 October 1995 at Canberra’s ANU Bar, with members intending to explore other pursuits such as carpentry and academic studies. Reflecting on their ten-year journey characterized by extensive touring, Higgie acknowledged the necessity for a break. In 2001, Volition issued a compilation titled Singles.
1998–present: Activities after disbandment and reunions
Following the breakup, Suzie Higgie collaborated with Conway Savage from Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds to produce the 1998 album Soon Will be Tomorrow. She later released her solo project Songs of Habit in 2002 and re-released the 1992 joint EP Splinter in 2013. Meanwhile, Pat Hayes became a bassist for Stella One Eleven.
Falling Joys regrouped for live shows beginning on 26 February 2011 at the National Museum of Australia amphitheatre in Canberra, with an additional performance in Sydney in June. In July 2016, they appeared twice at Sydney’s Newtown Social Club alongside The Hummingbirds. February 2018 saw them complete an Australian national tour supporting The Clouds (Australian band).
Albums
| Title | Album details | Highest chart rankings |
|---|---|---|
| AUS | ||
| Wish List |
|
51 |
| Psychohum |
|
35 |
| Aerial |
|
46 |
Compilation albums
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Singles |
|
| Singles & B-Sides |
|
Extended plays
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Ω (also known as Omega) |
|
| Jennifer |
|
| Universal Mind |
|
Singles
| Title | Year | Highest chart positions | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUS | |||
| "Burnt So Low" | 1987 | — | Ω |
| "Nearly a Sin" | 1988 | — | Singles not included on albums |
| "You're in a Mess"/"Oyster Hill" | — | ||
| "Tunnel Vision" | 1989 | — | Ω |
| "Lock It" | 1990 | 55 | Wish List |
| "Jennifer" | 1991 | 60 | |
| "Black Bandages" | 1992 | 100 | Psychohum |
| "Incinerator" | 131 | ||
| "A Winter's Tale" | 147 | ||
| "Fiesta!" | 1993 | 102 | Aerial |
| "Breakaway" | 126 | ||
| "Make It Soon"/"Amen" | 1994 | 148 | |
| "Universal Mind" | 1995 | 118 | Universal Mind |
| "Fight of Your Life" | 2013 | — | Single not associated with an album |