The House of Love

The House of Love are a British alternative rock band from London, formed in 1986. Their music sits within dream pop, indie pop, jangle pop, noise pop and post-punk, with a sound that combines psychedelic and textural guitar work with the songwriting of Guy Chadwick.

Formation and original line-up

The original line-up consists of Guy Chadwick on vocals and guitar, Terry Bickers on guitar, Andrea Heukamp on vocals and guitar, Pete Evans on drums and Chris Groothuizen on bass. The band begins in Camberwell, London, and first builds its profile through a run of singles before releasing its debut album, which is untitled, on Creation Records in 1988.

Andrea Heukamp leaves the group in 1988, though she returns briefly in 1991. Terry Bickers leaves in 1989 and is replaced by Simon Walker, who is later replaced by Simon Mawby in 1992.

Early releases and commercial peak

After the debut album, the band signs to Fontana. Their next two singles do not perform well, and progress on a follow-up album is slow. Internal tensions between Chadwick and Bickers, along with drug use, lead to Bickers's departure. The resulting second album is also untitled, and is commonly known as the Butterfly album because of its cover design. It reaches the top 10.

A remake of the early single Shine On becomes a moderate hit and benefits from renewed interest in guitar pop. In 1991 the band issues a compilation of B-sides and outtakes, usually referred to as A Spy in the House of Love.

Later 1980s and 1990s work

The band follows the Butterfly album with Babe Rainbow in 1992. That record does not match the success of its predecessor. Their final album before the split, Audience With the Mind, appears in 1993 and barely charts. The group then disbands.

Reformation and later activity

The House of Love reform in 2005, bringing together Guy Chadwick and Terry Bickers despite their earlier tensions. Pete Evans returns on drums and Matt Jury plays bass. The reformed band tours the UK and Ireland and releases Days Run Away. In 2008 they play in Lima, Peru, marking their first South American performance.

After another long break, Guy Chadwick reforms the group with a new line-up and releases A State of Grace in 2022. The band remains active.

Personnel

Across their history, the band includes Guy Chadwick, Terry Bickers, Andrea Heukamp, Pete Evans, Chris Groothuizen, Simon Walker, Simon Mawby and Matt Jury.