There is a marked difference between the two artistes this here journalist was instructed to represent. One was a seasoned musician, complete with over 20 years worth of stories and insight, the other is a fresh-faced Simon Connolly, guitarist and singer for Melbourne-based five-some, POTENTIAL FALCON. Curiously it would be Connolly who is the more cynical of the two as he talks of his sad disillusionment in relation to both lyrics and life in general. "Love and heartbreak is a very country thing which is pretty much what the whole record is about. We are afraid of people hating our 'feeling' music because it's not very cool to be personal. People like it when you hint at things," says Connolly softly. Yet he does seem to appreciate how important sincerity is in the musical world. "Honest and heartfelt music is an outlet. I learn about myself from listening to my songs."
Most of the band originally hailed from Canberra, with Connolly himself spending most of his teenage years in Campbell. Fellow Falconer Hugo Temby (piano/Rhodes/bass/guitar/vocals) actually still bases himself in Canberra and refuses to move to Melbourne. When asked how often Temby flies down for gigs and band meetings Connolly laughs, "he plays an amazing piano and it's worth having around. He can't be with the band always but we consult him over the lyrics, he's a bit of a control freak but we love him." The other three members who make up Potential Falcon are Huw Murdoch (guitar), Donovan Martin (drums/vocals/general comic relief) and Joseph Foley (bass/vocals). Each one is an important piece of the Falcon puzzle. They describe themselves as being a quirky mix of "indie-cum-country rock" and if you like Wilco, My Morning Jacket, Neil Young and Sonic Youth, you may just find a place in your heart for Potential Falcon.
Having only formed in December of 2006, Potential Falcon have already celebrated the April 2007 release of the fantastically named Hank Williams' Grave. "It was a lazy title stolen from one of our songs - the new one has a lot more focus. Hank Williams' Grave was trying for the sake of trying," admits Connolly. You may be wondering about what is this 'new one' that he refers to. It is actually in reference to the exciting October 2009 release of their (proper) debut album Wings on Fire, another name borrowed from an album song. Having toured the coast of Australia numerous times they will finally take their potential overseas early next year. "We are getting ready New Zealand," enthuses Connolly.
Catch the delightful Potential Falcon as they make use of the Transit Bar as a launching pad for the much awaited Wings of Fire. They shall be accompanied by Voss and Hoodlum Shouts. 8pm on Thursday November 12. Be there, I shall.
