The shimmery guitars of Terry Bickers stirred critics when the House of Love released their first album in 1988. The House of Love were touted as future superstars, and the interlocking guitars of Bickers and vocalist Guy Chadwick combined the Jesus Mary Chain's ominous din with the folksy melancholy of the Smiths. However, the press were more enamored with the band than the public. Bickers, formerly of Colenso Parade, joined the House of Love in 1986. Although Bickers' stay in the House of Love was short-lived, his influence on noisy, dreamy British groups such as Catherine Wheel, Ride, and Adorable is undeniable. After Bickers left the House of Love in late 1989, he got married and became a father. In 1990, Bickers formed Levitation with Laurence O'Keefe (bass), Robert White (keyboards), Christian Hayes (guitars), and Dave Francollini (drums). As with the House of Love, Levitation entered the English music scene on a tidal wave of critical praise. Levitation was seen as progressive rock revivalists, but they were somewhat louder than their '70s predecessors. Bickers' views on flying saucers, reincarnation, and other odd subject matters had a few reporters questioning his sanity. On May 14, 1993, Bickers played his last concert with Levitation; he was replaced by Steven Ludwin. Bickers then formed Monkey 7. ~ Michael Sutton, Rovi