Album by The House of Love

House of Love was another new one for me — a band I’d never really spent time with before sitting down with this album. I went in with no expectations and came away thinking there’s a lot more here than I initially realized.

There’s an Echo & the Bunnymen / The Church / The Psychedelic Furs kind of vibe running through it — jangly guitars, moody atmosphere, and melodies that sit comfortably in that slightly dramatic late-’80s alternative space. At the same time, there’s a clear nod to the ’60s British Invasion, something the band even calls out directly with “Beatles and Stones.” It comes across like this near perfect blend of influences and sounds.

What stood out more as I listened was the vocal style. There’s a looseness to the phrasing that gives the songs a little extra character — not overly polished, but expressive in a way that fits the music really well.

“In a Room” was the first track that really grabbed me. It builds patiently, layering guitars and tension until it opens up into something bigger without losing that melodic core. That slow lift feels like where the band really locks in.

There are a lot of other moments that started to stand out the more I sat with it. “Shine On” has that big, anthemic feel — one of those choruses that sticks right away. “I Don’t Know Why I Love You” moves with a lot of momentum, almost like a hit single hiding in plain sight.

“Shake and Crawl” leans more into the dreamy side, while “Hedonist” brings in a slightly more psychedelic, ’60s-tinged feel. On the other end, “Someone’s Got to Love You” and “Blind” slow things down into something more tender and earnest.“32nd Floor” might be one of the more unexpected tracks — it almost feels like it’s spiraling into something closer to a British dance track, with layers of guitar building on top of each other while the vocals keep everything grounded.

The more I listened, the more it started to come together. It’s not immediate in every moment, but there’s a consistency to the mood and the melodies that makes it easy to stay with.

This feels like one that grows the more time you give it — and one I can definitely see myself coming back to.

Verdict: Good

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