Group Members:
Similar Artists:
The Lilac Time,
The Stone Roses,
Fonda,
The Jasmine Minks,
Adrian Borland,
The Boo Radleys,
Kitchens of Distinction,
James,
Ride,
The Lightning Seeds,
The Jesus and Mary Chain,
The Chills,
The Beautiful South
Influenced By:
The Beatles,
The Rolling Stones,
The Velvet Underground,
Love,
The Smiths,
The Left Banke,
Echo & the Bunnymen,
Syd Barrett
Followers:
Ride,
Catherine Wheel,
Apollo Heights,
Amusement Parks on Fire,
Coldplay,
Kitchens of Distinction,
The Pleased,
Windmills,
Fonda,
The Curtain Society,
The Black Watch,
The Stills
Performed Songs By:
Formal Connection With:
- Formed: 1986, London, England
- Disbanded: 1994
- Genres: Rock
- Representative Albums: "1986-88: The Creation Recordings," "Best of House of Love," "The House of Love"
- Representative Songs: "Shine On," "Christine," "Destroy the Heart"
Biography
The post-Smiths guitar pop of the House of Love was popular for a short time in the late '80s, as many college and alternative rock fans became converts to their mixture of shiny ringing guitars, pseudo-psychedelic melodies, and bursts of noise. The British group formed in 1986; it featured Guy Chadwick (vocals, guitar), Terry Bickers (guitar), Andrea Heukamp (vocals, guitar), Pete Evans (drums), and Chris Groothuizen (bass). Their demo tape attracted the attention of Alan McGee, the head of Creation Records. McGee signed the band for a single, "Shine On," which was released in May of 1987 to some critical acclaim; it and its follow-up, "Real Animal," both sold poorly. Following a tour supporting the singles, Heukamp left the group. Instead of replacing her, the House of Love continued as a quartet, releasing their untitled debut album in the spring of 1988. Many U.K. critics called it one of the finest records of the year, and the band built up a cult audience.The following year the band moved over to PhonoGram Records (PolyGram in the U.S.) and released two singles, "Never" and "I Don't Know Why I Love You," that failed to crack the British Top 40. By the end of 1989, Bickers left the group; he was replaced by Simon Walker. The House of Love's second untitled album (commonly called Fontana) was released in early 1990 to lukewarm sales and reviews; the band's revivalist guitar pop didn't fit in with England's club-conscious pop scene, spearheaded by the Stone Roses and Happy Mondays. After the group's 1990 tour, Walker left the group and was replaced by Simon Mawby. The House of Love returned in early 1992 with Babe Rainbow, which received favorable reviews yet weak sales. The continuing lack of commercial success began to wear on the band, leading to their disbandment in 1994. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
