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A House were an Irish rock band active in Dublin from 1985 to 1997 and recognised for lead singer Dave Couse's distinctive vocals.[2] The single "Endless Art" is one of their best-known charting successes.

Key Information

The band's name is pronounced with "A" as the indefinite article, pronounced /æ/ or /ə/, not as the letter A (/eɪ/).[3]

Career

[edit]

Beginnings

[edit]

Formed in Dublin in 1985 by former members of the band Last Chance, vocalist Dave Couse, guitarist Fergal Bunbury and drummer Dermot Wylie were joined by bassist Martin Healy (who had all been friends at Templeogue College), formed as A House.[4] The band honed their live skills in the pubs of Dublin, performing in McGonagle's club (where U2 performed in the late 1970s), at free gigs in the Phoenix Park and turns on RTÉ's TV GaGa and Dave Fanning's radio sessions.

The band's earliest recorded appearance was on a charity compilation called Blackrock Youth Aid '85, assembled at Newpark School. This was followed by tracks on two compilations. "On Your Bike Wench, and Let's Have the Back of You" appeared on the EP Live at the Underground (1986) and "What a Nice Evening to Take the Girls Up the Mountains" appeared on the Street Carnival Rock EP (1987).[5]

Two self-released singles, "Kick Me Again Jesus"[6] and "Snowball Down", followed, released on the label RIP Records.

On Our Big Fat Merry-Go-Round and I Want Too Much

[edit]

Recording a John Peel session for BBC radio in the United Kingdom,[7] and gaining regional popularity, the band signed with Blanco y Negro, which released the singles "Heart Happy" and "Call Me Blue" in Ireland and the UK.[4] "Call Me Blue" was backed by a video and was relatively successful, receiving appreciable airplay and reaching number 28 in the Irish chart, as well as having some impact in the U.S. These singles were followed by A House's first album On Our Big Fat Merry-Go-Round in 1988.[6] The band then toured with the Go-Betweens, and "Call Me Blue" reached number 3 on the Billboard college chart in 1989.

A promo version of "Call Me Blue" for the American tour includes a track labelled "Some Intense Irish Brogue" that is a short interview with the band. Following the tour, the band recorded the album I Want Too Much in 1989[6] on the small Irish island of Inishboffin. Press response was positive, but record sales were poor, and Blanco y Negro dropped the band.[2] The band then signed with Setanta, a London-based independent label tending to focus on Irish acts.[4]

Dermot Wylie also quit the band in this period and was replaced by Dave Dawson.

I Am the Greatest, new members and the Setanta years

[edit]

Doodle and Bingo

[edit]

Toward the end of 1990 and into 1991, Setanta released two A House EPs, Doodle and Bingo.[6] The latter features the track "Endless Art", on which A House first worked with Orange Juice singer and Setanta bandmate Edwyn Collins as producer. The band members continued to collaborate with Collins after the band's breakup. Setanta also facilitated a relationship between A House and fellow countrymen the Frank and Walters, with members of A House contributing production work to several of their albums.

"Endless Art"

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In the week that "Endless Art" became the most-played song on British radio, Setanta, a small label, could not send enough copies of the single into shops to take advantage of the popularity. Keith Cullen of Setanta had already borrow moneyed from his father to fund the recording of the song. Parlophone Records redistributed 50,000 copies, but by the time that these copies reached the shops, it was too late and the rereleased version of "Endless Art" (1992) did not receive the same radio support, although it did reach the UK Top 50.[8]

"Endless Art" also benefitted from an accompanying stop-motion animation video that gained significant airplay on MTV in Europe, but the record failed to sell well. Nevertheless, "Endless Art" became A House's signature for many, replacing "Call Me Blue". The song, somewhat unusual in its musical approach and lyrics, begins with a quotation by Oscar Wilde and lists an extensive roster of famous artists from various forms of art, all dead, with years of births and deaths specified. Couse had frequently used the list format, beginning with the song "I Want Too Much".

A House faced criticism because all of the artists mentioned in the original "Bingo" release of the song were men,[4] although they countered that they had thought that Joan Miró was a woman,[9] The band tried to make amends by providing "More Endless Art", a second version of the song[6] listing only female artists, as the B-side of the single version.[4] The 12" single included two other tracks, "Freak Show" and "Charity", which had been recorded for the band's second John Peel session early in 1992.[10]

I Am the Greatest

[edit]

The Parlophone distribution of "Endless Art" was the flagship single from A House's new album, I Am the Greatest (1991). For the album, Parolophone again taking control of distribution from Setanta.[6] The album represented a musical expansion for A House. Along with new drummer Dave Dawson, the recording introduced two other new members to the band. Susan Kavanagh, who had sung with a Dublin band named Giant[11] and had been working on the TV show Jo Maxi, contributed backing vocals, and David Morrissey was added on keyboards. This new trio remained with A House until it dissolved. although they were less involved in the creative process than were the remaining original trio.[2] However, their presence enabled A House to embrace a broader musical palette. This was enabled further on "I Am the Greatest" by Collins's production work and extra contributions by Susie Honeyman on the violin.

Lyrically, the songs on the record addressed themes running from satire of societal and religious pieties, through excruciating examinations of personal fears, to the title track, on which the three core band members ruminate in spoken-word fashion on their lives, regrets, jealousies and the state of music in the 1990s.[citation needed] The cover artwork was created by Fergal Bunbury with an image by Irish photographer Amelia Stein.[12] A second single from the album, "Take It Easy on Me", was released in 1992.

Wide-Eyed and Ignorant and No More Apologies

[edit]

I Am the Greatest is perhaps A House's most significant legacy, and is cited by many as one of the best ever released by an Irish band.[13] It was followed by two more albums on Setanta. Wide-Eyed and Ignorant was released in 1994 to little notice outside of the band's fanbase,[6] although the single "Here Come the Good Times" was A House's only UK Top 40 chart placing, reaching number 37.[14] In 2002 the song experienced a second life on the Irish charts when it was chosen by popular vote on national radio to be rerecorded, with new lyrics, as a team anthem and charity single by the Irish soccer squad leading to the 2002 World Cup.

The band's fifth and final album, No More Apologies, was released in 1996. It was already known that A House would soon disband, but No More Apologies was described as a collection of "twisted beauties" and "disturbing melodies reflecting the world as seen through their own, strangely coloured, spectacles".[2]

Breakup

[edit]

A House disbanded in 1997.[4] The demise was marked by an emotional concert in Dublin on 28 February,[15] attended by the band members' families and filling the Olympia Theatre.[16]

Critique

[edit]

On the release of a best-of album in 2002, The Way We Were, one British reviewer wondered whether A House were one of the great lost bands of all time or if most of the world had been right to ignore their "Gaelic charms", concluding that the answer was "curiously enough, a bit of both".[17] Some critics writing around the time of A House's demise claimed that there were ways in which "A House is far more important than U2",[18] and that "their passing also arguably [drew] the safety curtain on the first and last great pop movement this country has either seen or heard".[19]

More than ten years after A House's breakup, many critics still held A House in high esteem. In 2008. the Irish Times rock critics voted I Am the Greatest the third-best Irish album of all time (jointly with Ghostown by the Radiators), behind only Loveless by My Bloody Valentine and Achtung Baby by U2.[13]

After A House

[edit]

Following the breakup of A House, Couse and Bunbury started a new project under the moniker Lokomotiv and recorded an album that was never released. Lokomotiv only released one single, "Next Time Round", in 2000.[2] Couse embarked on a solo career and, beginning with Genes in 2003, has released three albums, two under his own name and one billed as by Couse and the Impossible. Bunbury continues as Couse's frequent musical collaborator and live accompanist. Couse hosts a weekly music show on Irish national radio station Today FM.

Martin Healy also began several projects, including the electro-rock band Petrol with French musician Julie Peel.[20] A more substantial effort was known as AV8 (sometimes billed as Aviate), begun in 1998 when Healy and Niamh McDonald began a writing and performing partnership, to be joined one year later by French guitarist Morgan Pincot.[21] AV8 recorded an album called Tremor and later changed their name to Sweet Hereafter.[8]

Since 2020, Fergal Bunbury has been issuing new recordings on Bandcamp under the name FBU62 (effboosicksteetoo).[22]

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
Year Album UK[14] US Ireland
1988 On Our Big Fat Merry-Go-Round - - -
1990 I Want Too Much - - -
1991 I Am the Greatest - - -
1994 Wide-Eyed and Ignorant - - -
1996 No More Apologies - - -
1998 A House: Live in Concert (live recordings from 1990 and 1992) - - -
2002 The Way We Were - - 10[23]
2014 A House: Access All Areas (CD and DVD of 1992 concert) - - -

EPs

[edit]
Year EP UK[14] US Ireland
1987 Street Carnival Rock - - -
1990 Doodle - - -
1990 Bingo - - -
1991 Zop - - -
1994 360 North Rockingham - - -
1994 A Reintroduction

Compilation appearances

[edit]
Year Albums UK[14] US
1985 Blackrock Youth Aid '85 - -
1986 Live at the Underground - -
1986 Street Carnival Rock EP - -
1987 Heads over Ears: A Debris Compilation - -
1994 A Flavour of the Label (Parlophone promo) - -
1988 Just Say Yo - -
1997 The Sunday Times Music Collection: The Best of Indie - -
2004 The Definitive Irish Rock Album - -
2005 The Definitive Irish Rock Album II - -
2005 Fanning's Fab 50 - -

Singles

[edit]
Year Song UK Indie[24] UK[14] US Ireland
1987 "Kick Me Again Jesus" 24 - - -
1987 "Snowball Down" 8 - - -
1987 "Heart Happy" - - - -
1987 "Call Me Blue" - 194 - 1 28
1988 "I'll Always Be Grateful" - - - 22
1988 "I Want to Kill Something" - - - -
1990 "I Think I'm Going Mad" - - - 22
1991 "You're Too Young" - - - -
1991 "I Don't Care" - - - -
1991 "Second Wind" - - - -
1992 "Endless Art" - 46 - -
1992 "Take It Easy on Me" - 55 - -
1992 "Everything's Gone" - - - -
1992 "Slang" - - - -
1992 "Santamental" - - - -
1994 "I Will Never Forgive You" - - - -
1994 "Why Me?" - 52 - 20
1994 "Here Come the Good Times (Part 1)" - 37 - 21
1995 "The Strong and the Silent"[25] - - -2 -
1997 "Without Dreams" - - - -
  • 1 - Though failing to chart on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, the song managed to chart at No. 9 on the U.S. Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.
  • 2 - Also failed to chart on the U.S. Hot 100, but the song nearly reached the Radio & Records Top 50 pop chart.

John Peel sessions

[edit]
  • 25 January 1987, produced by Dale Griffin:[7]
    • "Call Me Blue" / "Y.O.U." / "Hit Me over the Head with Your Handbag Dear" / "Heart Happy"
  • 2 February 1992 at Maida Vale Studio, produced by Dale Griffin:[10]
    • "Endless Art" / "Charity" / "Freakshow" / "Force Feed"

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

A House

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
A House were an Irish indie rock band formed in Dublin in 1985 and active until 1997. Recognised for the distinctive vocals of lead singer Dave Couse, the band blended with folk influences and gained a in Ireland and the . The band emerged from the remnants of the short-lived group Last Chance, with core members including Couse on vocals and guitar, Fergal Bunbury on guitar, Martin Healy on bass, and Dermot Wylie on drums. They released five studio albums, starting with On Our Big Fat Merry-Go-Round in 1988, and achieved modest chart success with singles like "Endless Art" (UK #46, 1992) and "Here Come the Good Times" (UK #37, 1994). A House disbanded after a final performance at 's Olympia Theatre in February 1997, with Couse later pursuing solo work and other projects. Their album I Am the Greatest (1991) was later ranked among 's best by critics.

Early career

Formation

A House was formed in 1985 in , , emerging from the remnants of the post-punk group Last Chance. The founding lineup consisted of Dave Couse on vocals and guitar, Fergal Bunbury on guitar, Martin Healy on bass, and Dermot Wylie on drums. The band conducted initial rehearsals in local venues and produced early demo recordings, including the "Motive" demo in June 1985 and a second session in September 1985 at RTÉ's Studio 8 for Dave Fanning's radio show, produced by Ian Wilson. Their first live performances occurred in Dublin pubs and clubs around 1985–1986, with a notable debut at The Underground on 5 and 6 September 1985, where they appeared on the compilation album Live at The Underground. In this formative phase, A House transitioned from the post-punk roots of Last Chance toward an indie rock sound, emphasizing guitar-based pop with ironic lyrics. These initial steps in Dublin's music scene positioned the band for their subsequent debut releases.

Debut releases

A House entered the with their debut single "Kick Me Again Jesus" in 1987, released on the independent Rip Records label in the . The track, backed with "I Want You," received limited airplay and distribution but charted on the UK Indie Chart, peaking at number 24 for four weeks. This release marked the band's initial foray into recording, produced on a modest budget typical of small indie labels operating in the and during the late . A second single, "Snowball Down / ," followed later that year, reaching number 8 on the UK Indie Chart and further highlighting their style influenced by the era's indie sound. These early singles were compiled into the band's debut EP, Kick Me Again Jesus, also on Rip Records in 1987, collecting five tracks from the initial releases and serving as a cohesive introduction to their witty, guitar-driven songwriting. The EP faced typical challenges of independent distribution in the UK and , where small labels like Rip relied on limited pressing runs and promotion, often struggling against major label dominance and regional market fragmentation. Despite this, the EP garnered attention in indie circles, helping secure a deal with , a of , by late 1987. The band's first full-length album, On Our Big Fat Merry-Go-Round, arrived in on Blanco y Negro, representing a step up in production resources while retaining their raw indie edge. Recorded in studios and produced for Zomba Productions, the album captured 13 tracks that blended folk-infused with Dave Couse's sardonic lyrics:
  • "Call Me Blue" (2:11)
  • "I Want to Kill Something" (2:24)
  • "I'll Always Be Grateful" (2:42)
  • "My Little Lighthouse" (4:02)
  • "Watch Out You're Dead" (3:00)
  • "Don't Ever Think You're Different" (2:10)
  • "That's Not the Truth" (2:33)
  • "Love of the Eighties" (2:51)
  • "Violent Love" (2:06)
  • "Love Quarry" (2:32)
  • "Clump of Trees" (3:27)
  • "Stone the Crows" (3:13)
  • "Hay When the Sun Shines" (2:50)
The recording process emphasized live band energy, with minimal overdubs to preserve their playful, unpolished aesthetic, though the major label backing allowed for better mastering and artwork. Distribution remained a hurdle, as Blanco y Negro prioritized sales, leaving Irish promotion to independent networks and resulting in modest visibility across the island. The album did not achieve mainstream commercial success but solidified A House's in the indie scene. After touring to support the debut, A House recorded their follow-up album in 1989 on the remote Irish island of Inishboffin, opting for an isolated setting to foster creative focus away from urban distractions. Released in 1990 as I Want Too Much on / (a imprint), the 10-track effort featured production that amplified their ironic songcraft, including standouts like the title track and "13 Wonderful Love Songs." Key tracks included:
  • "13 Wonderful Love Songs"
  • "I Want Too Much"
  • "Talking"
  • "The of Mediocrity"
  • "Shivers Up My Spine"
  • "Marry Me"
  • "I Give You You"
  • "Now That I'm Sick"
  • "I Think I'm Going Mad"
  • "Bring Down The Beast"
Despite positive for its clever arrangements and Couse's distinctive vocals, the underperformed commercially, failing to chart significantly in Ireland or the and leading to the band's dismissal from the label. This outcome underscored ongoing distribution challenges for Irish indie acts, where limited radio support and competition from established bands hindered breakthrough success. The period highlighted A House's reliance on short-term deals with majors ill-equipped for the niche indie market in Ireland.

Mid-career evolution

Line-up changes

In 1990, following the release of the band's second album I Want Too Much, original drummer Dermot Wylie departed , marking the first significant personnel shift in the group's history. Wylie was promptly replaced by Dave Dawson, a who had previously performed with the band Swim, bringing a more polished rhythmic foundation to the ensemble. This change occurred amid a period of uncertainty after the band was dropped by Blanco y Negro, prompting a broader reconfiguration to inject fresh dynamics into their performances and recordings. Around the same time in 1990, A House expanded by incorporating backing vocalist Susan Kavanagh, formerly of the group Giant, to provide harmonic support both live and in the studio. Keyboardist also joined that year, augmenting the band's sonic palette with atmospheric layers and enabling more intricate arrangements that would define their evolving style. These additions transformed the original four-piece into a six-member outfit, coinciding with their signing to Setanta Records in late 1990 and contributing to a refined sound characterized by added depth and intensity during the label transition. The personnel shifts influenced the band's rehearsal processes by introducing new collaborative elements, as the expanded lineup necessitated adjustments in song development and stage coordination to integrate the additional voices and instruments effectively. Internally, the changes tested band relations, with reports suggesting underlying divisions as members adapted to the evolving group dynamic under Dave Couse's leadership, though the core trio of Couse (vocals/guitar), Fergal Bunbury (guitar), and Martin Healy (bass) remained intact throughout the band's existence. Despite these challenges, the reshuffle fostered resilience, allowing A House to rebound creatively during their Setanta era. The original lineup, featuring the core trio alongside Wylie, had handled the band's debut releases on Blanco y Negro.

Setanta Records period

After being dropped by Warner Music following two unsuccessful albums, A House signed with the independent label Setanta Records in 1990, with founder Keith Cullen citing his admiration for their recent release I Want Too Much as a key factor. This move marked a creative resurgence for the band after a lineup shuffle, allowing them to rebuild under a label more aligned with their sensibilities. The band's first output on Setanta was the Doodle EP, released in 1990, which featured tracks such as "The Last to Know," "Bugaboo," "A Minute of Your Time," and "Some Times I Feel." This four-song collection highlighted A House's raw, guitar-driven sound and helped establish Setanta's reputation in the Irish indie scene as a hub for established acts seeking artistic freedom. Following quickly in 1991 came the Bingo EP, produced by Edwyn Collins and including "Endless Art," "Our Love Is Good Enough," "Slipping Away," and "Baby You're Too Much." The EP's experimental edge, particularly in the spoken-word delivery and droning textures of its lead track, garnered critical acclaim and rotation on UK radio, contributing to modest success within Irish indie circles despite the label's limited promotional resources. "Endless Art," reissued as a standalone single in 1992, became A House's breakthrough, peaking at number 46 on the UK Singles Chart and earning praise as a , minimalist rock classic with influences. The track's production paid homage to visual artists like Turner, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Warhol through its lyrics, while a promotional —featuring stylized, artistic visuals—amplified its cult appeal in Ireland, where the band was increasingly seen as a quintessential '90s indie act. Its cultural resonance in Ireland stemmed from this ironic commentary on art's futility, blending spoken-word elements with distorted guitars to capture the era's alternative ethos and solidify A House's domestic following. During this period, A House undertook tours across the and , including dates at venues like London's LSE and festivals such as Feile in 1992, which helped cultivate a dedicated fanbase amid their growing indie reputation. These performances, often supporting their Setanta releases, fostered grassroots support in and underscored the band's evolution from major-label struggles to a more authentic indie trajectory.

Later career and breakup

Major label releases

In the early 1990s, following a period of independent releases with Setanta Records, A House returned to major label backing through a partnership with in the UK, marking a shift toward greater commercial polish and broader distribution for their later work. This arrangement facilitated their fourth studio album, Wide Eyed and Ignorant, released in 1994 as a co-production between Setanta and in Europe, while the US version appeared on Radioactive Records, a subsidiary of MCA. The album's production involved notable collaborators including and , who contributed to its refined sound, blending jangly guitars with Dave Couse's wry lyrics on themes of romance and frustration. The from Wide Eyed and Ignorant, "Here Come the Good Times," represented the band's commercial high point during this era, peaking at number 37 on the UK Singles Chart and number 21 on the , though broader international breakthrough remained elusive despite promotional efforts in the market. Building on the momentum from earlier hits like "Endless Art," the album highlighted A House's toward more accessible songcraft, yet it underscored ongoing challenges in meeting major label sales targets. Internal tensions emerged as expectations for radio play and chart success clashed with the band's creative independence, echoing pressures that had previously led to their departure from . A House's final studio album, No More Apologies, arrived in 1996 on Setanta Records, with select international editions handled through Parlophone and MCA distribution, reflecting a waning but still major-label-affiliated presence. Produced primarily by the band themselves at Chateau De La Rouge studios, the record delved into introspective territory, exploring nostalgia, regret, and quiet sorrow through tracks like the title song and "My Sweet Life," offering a dignified farewell amid the group's unraveling dynamics. Despite critical praise for its emotional depth and elegant arrangements, the album achieved only modest commercial reception, with no significant chart placements, as label pressures and internal strains intensified the sense of closure.

Dissolution

In late 1996, following the release of their fifth studio album No More Apologies, began winding down operations amid mounting financial pressures that had left the band members penniless in their early thirties. Frontman Dave Couse later reflected that these economic hardships, rather than irreconcilable musical differences, were the decisive factor in the split, describing the band's history as one of self-inflicted setbacks and a tendency to "snatch defeat from the jaws of victory." The band's dissolution culminated in a farewell concert at Dublin's Olympia Theatre on February 28, 1997, which served as a public and emotional capstone to their twelve-year career. The performance drew a devoted crowd of fans, creating a cathartic atmosphere marked by defiance and gratitude rather than overt sentimentality; Couse used the occasion to thank key collaborators including manager John Carroll, Setanta Records founder Keith Cullen, and roadie Liam Crinion, signaling the start of a new personal chapter. The setlist spanned their catalog with highlights such as "Endless Art," "I Am the Greatest," and "No More Apologies," underscoring the band's enduring legacy. In the immediate aftermath, joint tours ceased entirely, and the band's assets were quietly divided among members without public fanfare, allowing each to pursue individual paths free from ongoing collective obligations. Couse has since characterized as a necessary endpoint, stating in reflections that it was "the right time to stop" to preserve their artistic integrity.

Musical style and reception

Sound and influences

A House's music is characterized by a playful, lively sound infused with Irish folk elements and guitar-driven arrangements that evoke energy and pop hooks. The band's core style blends jangly guitar textures with melodic structures, often incorporating Celtic folk influences in their rhythmic and melodic foundations. Central to their identity are the distinctive nasal vocals of lead singer and songwriter Dave Couse, delivered in a high-register style that adds a raw, expressive edge to the proceedings. Couse's singing, often described as melodramatic and occasionally off-key for comedic effect, complements his lyrical themes drawn from , infused with sharp humor, , and underlying melancholy. The band drew inspiration from Dublin's vibrant 1980s indie and alternative music scene, where they emerged alongside acts contributing to a local wave of guitar-based rock experimentation. Broader influences included the witty lyricism and vocal delivery of , as well as the rowdy Irish folk-punk spirit of , which informed A House's blend of and irreverence. Over their career, A House's sound evolved from the raw, energetic demos and early EPs, characterized by straightforward urgency, to more refined major-label productions featuring cohesive songwriting and textural depth. In their later period, particularly on albums like Wide-Eyed and Ignorant, they expanded arrangements with keyboards and prominent backing vocals, creating layered, drone-like pop elements that added emotional resonance without sacrificing their foundational drive.

Critical assessments

Upon its release in 1992, the single "Endless Art" from the album I Am the Greatest received widespread critical acclaim, earning Single of the Week honors in both NME and Melody Maker for its innovative indie pop structure and lyrical wit. The album itself was praised as a "gigantic musical achievement" by Melody Maker and deemed "more cohesive and infinitely more glorious" than prior efforts by Hot Press, cementing A House's reputation for blending acerbic lyrics with melodic accessibility. Later major-label releases, such as Wide-Eyed and Ignorant (1994), represented a continuation of their major-label period. This tension was echoed in broader assessments, with UK DJ expressing strong admiration for their early work, yet highlighting their struggle to translate critical favor into sustained commercial viability. In Irish music recognition, I Am the Greatest earned nominations and high placements in national polls, including 9th in RTÉ's 2013 survey of top Irish albums and inclusion in RTÉ's 2011 list of essential Irish records, underscoring its enduring impact despite the band's limited mainstream breakthrough. Retrospective analyses in the and have solidified A House's cult status within , often portraying I Am the Greatest as a trailblazing Irish on par with works by and My Bloody Valentine, with sell-out reunion performances affirming its lasting appeal among fans. Frequently compared to contemporaries like The Frank and Walters for their shared Cork-Dublin indie ethos and witty pop sensibilities, A House's oeuvre is now viewed as a pivotal, if underappreciated, chapter in Ireland's alternative scene.

Personnel

Core members

The core members of A House were the Dublin-based trio of Dave Couse, Fergal Bunbury, and Martin Healy, who formed the band's stable foundation from its inception in 1985 through its dissolution in 1997. Dave Couse, born in 1965 in Perrystown, a suburb of south Dublin, served as the band's lead vocalist and guitarist, while also acting as the primary songwriter responsible for the majority of their material. His distinctive, emotive vocal delivery and guitar work shaped the band's indie rock sound, contributing significantly to their energetic stage presence across live performances and recordings from debut album On Our Big Fat Merry-Go-Round (1988) to final release No More Apologies (1996). Fergal Bunbury handled duties, playing a crucial role in crafting the band's melodic structures and layered arrangements that complemented Couse's compositions throughout their . His guitar contributions added textural depth to tracks on albums like I Am the Greatest (1991), enhancing the group's dynamic live shows with intricate riffs and harmonies. Martin Healy provided bass and occasional backing vocals, establishing the rhythmic backbone of A House from the band's formation and anchoring their sound on every studio album. His steady basslines offered a solid foundation for the trio's interplay, supporting both studio recordings and their renowned stage energy, particularly evident in early works like I Want Too Much (1990).

Additional contributors

Dermot Wylie served as A House's original from 1985 to 1990, providing the rhythmic foundation for their early recordings, including the debut album On Our Big Fat Merry-Go-Round (1988). Following Wylie's departure, Dave Dawson took over on drums from 1990 to 1997, contributing to every subsequent release and helping stabilize the band's live performances during their major label phase. Susan Kavanagh joined as backing vocalist from 1990 to 1997, previously with the band Giant, and her harmonies added depth to the group's sound on albums like I Am the Greatest (1991) and during extensive touring. provided keyboards from 1990 to 1997, incorporating electronic elements that enriched the textures on later works such as Wide-Eyed and Ignorant (1994). Beyond these period-specific members, A House occasionally featured guest musicians on particular tracks; for instance, violinist Susie Honeyman contributed string arrangements to several songs on the 1991 album I Am the Greatest. Producers also played pivotal roles as additional contributors, with helming the production for I Am the Greatest and shaping its polished aesthetic through his oversight of arrangements and mixing.

Post-band activities

Solo endeavors

Following the 1997 breakup of A House, frontman Dave Couse pursued solo endeavors, releasing his debut album Genes in 2003 on his own Beep-Beep label, a collection of introspective tracks reflecting personal struggles after the band's dissolution. He also ventured into radio, hosting the weekly Sunday-night program on starting in the early 2000s, where he curated eclectic music selections and engaged with listeners on Irish and international artists. Guitarist Fergal Bunbury collaborated closely with Couse immediately post-breakup, co-founding the short-lived project Lokomotiv and releasing the single "Next Time Round" in 2000 on Shifty Disco, an experimental effort blending elements without initial ties to their A House past. Bassist Martin Healy maintained a low-profile presence in the music scene, focusing on session bass performances and joining Petrol, a short-lived outfit fronted by Julie Peel, in the immediate years after 1997. By the early 2000s, he contributed to alongside former A House keyboardist , providing bass support on their debut recordings and live outings. Drummer Dave Dawson, who had joined A House in 1990, shifted to session drumming for various Irish acts in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Dawson passed away in October 2025. In 2002, Couse participated in the rerecording of A House's "Here Come the Good Times" as the official anthem for the national football team ahead of the , producing the track with the squad and celebrities like members, which charted at number three in the UK and raised funds for charity.

Recent developments

In the 2010s, Dave Couse continued his solo career with the release of the album Alonewalk in April 2010, featuring introspective tracks reflecting on personal and artistic themes. He also maintained involvement in Irish media, including a stint as a radio DJ on , where he hosted shows highlighting . By the 2020s, Couse shifted focus to poetry writing during the , producing works that explored life and introspection, though no new solo music albums have been released since. Fergal Bunbury, the band's former , adopted the moniker FBU62 in 2020 and began issuing a series of self-released EPs and albums exclusively on , embracing experimental with satirical lyrics. Notable releases include EP1: 40 Shades of Greed in October 2020, This Is Not for You in November 2020, and subsequent EPs such as EP5: Here Come the Bad Times in June 2021, which critiqued contemporary social issues through lo-fi production and guitar-driven soundscapes. While no full band reunions have occurred, Couse and Bunbury staged partial revivals in 2019, performing the 1991 album I Am the Greatest live at Dublin's National Concert Hall in a sell-out show that reinterpreted the material with a stripped-back lineup. Plans for another collaborative performance of the 1994 album I Want Too Much at Whelan's, announced for late 2019, were ultimately disrupted by the starting in 2020, with no further joint activity reported. Archival live footage from the band's original era has occasionally surfaced online during the , including soundcheck recordings shared on platforms like , contributing to fan-driven preservation efforts. A House's catalog has seen renewed interest in the 2020s through streaming platforms like and , where tracks such as "Endless Art" continue to attract listeners amid broader revivals of 1990s Irish . The band featured in retrospectives like the Irish Examiner's 2023 series on pivotal Irish albums, underscoring its influence on subsequent generations of musicians. As of 2025, A House remains celebrated for its enduring indie legacy—marked by witty, irony-laced songwriting and anti-commercial ethos—without any new group activity or releases.

Discography

Studio albums

A House released five studio albums during their career, spanning from their indie rock origins to more polished major-label productions. These works showcase the band's evolution in sound, from raw, jangle-infused to more introspective and mature compositions, often highlighting frontman Dave Couse's wry lyrics and distinctive vocals. Their debut , On Our Big Fat Merry-Go-Round, was released in 1988 by . This 10-track LP marked the band's entry into the indie scene, featuring driving, catchy melodies with tracks like "Call Me Blue" and "I'll Always Be Grateful." Produced with a straightforward, energetic vibe reflective of their roots, it did not achieve significant commercial success but established their playful, acerbic style. The follow-up, I Want Too Much, arrived in 1990, also on Blanco y Negro (with WEA distribution). Comprising 11 tracks, including the title song and "13 Wonderful Love Songs," the album built on their debut's momentum with jangle pop elements and themes of desire and mediocrity. It represented a slight refinement in production while retaining the band's lo-fi charm, though it similarly eluded mainstream charts. In 1991, Setanta Records issued I Am the Greatest, a 12-track effort that captured the band's rising creativity. Standout "Endless Art" became a fan favorite, blending with witty introspection, while other songs like "You're Too Young" and "Blind Faith" explored youthful bravado. This , produced independently, solidified their cult following in the Irish indie scene without notable chart performance. Wide Eyed and Ignorant, released in 1994 by Setanta and , featured 13 tracks and marked their major-label phase with a more accessible polish. Key single "Here Come the Good Times" reached number 37 on the UK Singles Chart, providing the band's highest commercial peak, alongside tracks like "She Keeps Me Humble" and "Why Me?" The production emphasized brighter arrangements, though the album itself did not chart prominently. No certifications were awarded. The band's final studio album, No More Apologies, came out in 1996 on Setanta (with MCA involvement in some markets), containing 11 tracks such as the title song, "Into the Light," and "Cry Easily." This reflective work delved into personal themes with a mature, subdued tone, serving as a poignant closer to their discography. It received positive critical notes for its emotional depth but, like predecessors, lacked commercial certifications or major chart success.

Singles and EPs

A House released several singles throughout their career, primarily through labels like Blanco y Negro and Setanta, with some achieving modest chart success in the UK and . The band's early single "Call Me Blue" (1988), from their debut album On Our Big Fat Merry-Go-Round, gained notable radio airplay and commercial traction in Ireland, marking one of their stronger domestic performances. Later efforts like "Endless Art" (1992) peaked at number 46 on the UK Singles Chart, spending three weeks in the Top 75, while "Here Come the Good Times" (1994) reached number 37, their highest UK placing over two weeks. Other singles such as "Take It Easy on Me" (1992) and "Why Me?" (1993) charted lower at numbers 55 and 52 respectively, each lasting two weeks. These releases often featured B-sides with experimental or acoustic takes, such as "Some Intense Irish Brogue" backing "Call Me Blue," highlighting the band's jangly style. The band also issued a number of EPs, serving as vehicles for non-album tracks and alternate versions. Their debut EP, I Think I'm Going Mad / I Want Too Much (1990, Blanco y Negro), included four tracks like the title songs and "13 Wonderful Love Songs," blending raw energy with Dave Couse's distinctive vocals. In 1991, the Bingo EP (Setanta/Possum Records) featured key cuts such as "Endless Art," "No Love Is Good Enough," "Slipping Away," and "Baby You're Wrong," produced by Edwyn Collins and acting as a bridge to their album I Am the Greatest. Additional EPs included ZOP (1991, Setanta), Endless Art (1992, Blanco y Negro), and Take It Easy on Me (1992), often in 12-inch vinyl formats with limited runs. Later, Without Dreams (1997, Setanta) wrapped their original output, while reissues like the Call Me Blue EP appeared in 2020. International variants, such as promo pressings on US labels, occasionally bundled these tracks for college radio promotion. Recent digital reissues as of 2023 include compilations like Domestic Minimalism (Crow Street Demo) and Almost Film Noir, extending access to archival material. A House contributed tracks to various Irish indie compilations, underscoring their role in the local scene. Notable appearances include selections on A to Z of Irish Rock (1992, Solid Records), featuring material alongside acts like The Divine Comedy and The Frank & Walters, and earlier spots on Heads over Ears: A Compilation (1987). Promo samplers, such as the 1988 Blanco y Negro cassette Just Say Yo, also showcased their early work for broader exposure. The band recorded two sessions for BBC Radio 1's John Peel program, capturing their live sound in intimate settings. The first, on January 25, 1987 (broadcast February 9 and repeated February 24), included "Call Me Blue," "Y.O.U.," "Hit Me Over the Head with Your Handbag Dear," and "Heart Happy." The second session, recorded February 2, 1992 (broadcast March 13 and repeated May 30), featured "Endless Art," "Charity," "Freakshow," and "Force Feed." These performances, known for their raw energy, were later compiled in Peel session archives.

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