The House Of Love ‎– The House Of Love VG/VG

The House of Love’s self-titled second album, often referred to as “Fontana” after the record label or “The Butterfly Album” for its distinctive cover art, arrived in 1990. This record marked a significant shift for the band, propelling them to commercial success.

Compared to their debut, the sound on this album is more polished and layered. Their signature swirling guitars are still present, but they’re interwoven with catchy melodies and introspective lyrics. Singles like “Never” and “Shine On” showcase this perfectly, balancing dreamlike soundscapes with singalong choruses.

The album isn’t all sunshine and butterflies though. Guy Chadwick’s songwriting explores themes of love, loss, and longing, adding a bittersweet undercurrent to the music. Tracks like “I Don’t Know Why I Love You” capture this complexity, offering a more melancholic side to the band.

Overall, The House of Love’s second album is a captivating blend of shoegaze textures and accessible songwriting. It cemented their place as a leading light of the British alternative rock scene and remains a cherished touchstone for fans of the genre.