House of Light orchestrates multiple streams of tone on “House of Love” to give the song its bright and urgent yet melancholic vibrance. The lead single from the group’s new album 21st Century Prayer (out soon on Bandcamp) is reminiscent of that strain of modern darkwave that taps into the better end of the first wave of Gene Loves Jezebel and The Mission UK. Except that House of Light seem more keen on delivering classic pop hooks more in the vein of synth pop of that era as well for a sound that reconciles that tonal darkness and spirit with an upbeat dynamic. Fans of Actors, Bootblacks and Wingtips will find a lot to like about the way House of Light uses guitar tone to cut a scintillating figure through the soundscape in sync with the rhythm. Is the potential nod to Sisters of Mercy’s “Temple of Love”? Possibly but either way another touchstone for House of Light, surely. Whatever is in the mix, it’s an aesthetic that recalls an earlier era of music while imbuing it with a modern resonance and sensibility. The music video for the song shows the group seemingly performing in a repurposed church with projections of luminous washes and the surrounding architecture looking like some music video only seen on a public access music video program and thus adding a layer of mystery to the song’s impact. Watch “House of Love” on YouTube and follow House of Light at the links provided.
Queen City Sounds and Art 
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