The House of Love In-depth 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
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