House Of Love - 12 Bar, London, 27/3/03

  by Anthony Strutt

published: 18 / 4 / 2003

intro

One of the great indie acts of the early 90's, the House of Love have recently reformed with original guitarist Terry Bickers back in the line-up. Anthony Strutt watches them at their first London gig since they got back together play a secret show

The House Of Love are back. Tonight's show was only their second show since they reformed. Their first reunion show took place the week before this gig at Brighton's Sussex Arts Cafe. They played for 50 mins then and the set consisted of half new, half old songs. Tonight we got only 4 old songs and 7 new songs. The entire set though was cracking. I liked the House of Love, but I was never a massive fan. Tonight's gig was very hush hush with no information about it being posted on the 12 Bar weekly listings flyer and the band being announced as playing as Terry and Guy. It was guitarist Terry Bickers that leaked news of the gig on to a House of Love fan site, but this meant that the audience to view their London come back was limited to only 75 punters Pre gig the punters were really noisy. They almost drowned out the support acts, but during the House of Love's set they were very respectful and in silent awe. That was not surprising as this was a great concert and was very convincing. What was more surprising was a good chunk of the set was sung by Terry Bickers who left the House of Love shortly before their eponymous second album was released and very early on in their career. The songs played kept the House of Love feel but very much have now moved on, depending less on the effects which their earlier material relied on and more on strong guitar playing. Both frontman Guy Chambers and Terry looked great and sounded in fine voice. They were joined on stage by the original House of Love drummer Pete Brown and a new bassist Matt Jury. This was 55 minutes of class. Set List: Low Black Clouds Celebrate Christine Gabriella Kinda Love Blind Whatever Get You She Paints Words Love In a Car Shine On Days Runaway

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