House of Light, with roots in Melbourne, Australia, found its genesis in Berlin’s vibrant music scene. Their alchemy of ethereal synth landscapes and potent guitar riffs draws parallels with the iconic sounds of New Order, The Doors, Sonic Youth, and Radiohead. Offering a sound that defies neat categorization, the group immerses its audience in an almost surreal auditory experience with 21st Century Prayer.
This latest LP is brimming with both shadow and luminosity; euphoria and melancholy, treading the narrow line between true love and heartache. We bear witness to a transformative expedition across eras…and melodies. With a rich fusion of enveloping shoegaze and an ethereal atmosphere, 21st Century Prayer beckons listeners into a wholly immersive realm, marrying rhythmic allure with an elevated spirit. The album traverses dark and danceable energy to dreamy terrain, and its epic laments are imbued with implosive poetry that evokes innocence lost in the face of the modern tech tsunami.
Opening strong with House of Love, the song delves into themes of desire, loss, and the ephemeral nature of love, prompting introspection about its true essence. The pleas to “let it in” and “shine into me” in the following song, Radiate, indicate a desire for connection or illumination amidst rampant emotional turmoil, likening it to deadly atomic fallout. Strangeway To You takes a detour, channeling Sigur Rós with this beautiful choral-sprinkled instrumental.
The lyrics of NYC depict a love-hate relationship with the Big Apple, reflecting its relentless pace and fleeting relationships. Amidst the city’s chaotic backdrop, emotions of adoration, a yearning to escape, and impermanence emerge. The city’s dynamism parallels the song’s theme of evanescent love and the urgency of decision-making. There’s a longing for respite and a desire to escape from overwhelming experiences in Naked In A Dream, with another gorgeous instrumental break in Under The Cloud Line. Cold delves into a relationship that has endured a transition, moving from warmth and intimacy to a chilling distance…yet, amidst this emotional frost, there remains an unwavering commitment to love and stand by each other, highlighting the cyclical nature of emotions and relationships.
21st Century Prayer speaks to the inevitability of change, with mentions of the fleeting nature of love and light. The quest for authenticity and love is a powerful undercurrent, even in the face of life’s ephemerality. The ominous, explosive Thread has a haunting undertone of finality and confrontation with one’s inner demons. The lyrics to Zeitgeist depict a chaotic world, interspersed with brief, poignant connections amidst looming doom. The intertwining of beauty and tragedy, along with the atmospheric tone, is reminiscent of Radiohead’s ability to meld haunting imagery with profound emotion, creating an introspective examination of life’s fragility. Finally, Still Life reflects a longing to reconnect in a world filled with fleeting moments and promises left unfulfilled. Through the passage of time, expressed with imagery of the moon and technological metaphors, there’s a yearning for genuine, present connection.
House of Light’s unique sound signature is characterised by epic laments and implosive poetry, forging an immersive soundscape that challenges the very boundaries of reality.
“This album is a reflection of our journey – it’s a nod to the past, a recognition of the present, and a step into the future,” says the band. “We’re thrilled to share this with the world.”
Listen to the album below, and purchase here.
Drawing inspiration from illustrious bands such as The Cure, Joy Division, and Killing Joke, their reputation has led them to share stages globally with renowned artists like Pete Doherty and the Drones. Venturing across European landscapes, House of Light finds a creative haven in Berlin, yet the kinetic vigour of New York and Los Angeles infuses their sojourns on American soil. In their wake, they leave an indelible mark on the musical milieu.
For album orders, exclusive merchandise, and tour dates, visit here.
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