Turn Up The Heat: House Vs. Hurricane

Can you imagine Chris Dicker, vox man for hardcore-prog band House Vs. Hurricane, as a Banana in Pyjamas? Neither can I, but that’s apparently the career he would opt for if he weren’t a rock star. “What a sweet job” Chris muses, though I can think of better....rock singer, for instance!

Relative newbies to the scene, HvH are already embarking on a national jaunt- the raucously-titled ‘Turn Up The Heat’ Tour- on the back of their debut EP, Forfeiture. So what exactly was the process of making your first record like, Mr Chris?

“Really cool. We spent ten days in the studio and everything just went to plan, we were really happy. Everyone gets an input; if someone comes in with a solid idea, section, chord progression, or riff, it takes quite a while, but we all get our own input. When I write, personally, I write about social standards, political issues, and things that are important to me; I’m trying to keep a positive message”

This raises a particular personal point in me; do you attempt to maintain a positive message because of the growing cynicism and pessimism in music today? “It is all cynical, yes, but a lot of hardcore bands are doing more positive things. A lot of kids are influenced by bands; they do have an influence over the younger generation, so that gives people a responsibility. Generally people are afraid of what they don’t understand, they look for a scapegoat, go for people in the public eye, it’s just an easy target”

So, what about downloading, and all that? Are HvH an iTunes band?

“It’s pretty sad that the bands make more money from merch than CDs; I always make a point to buy the CD if I do like a band. It’s just a money making scheme”

Ugh, enough of the darker side of life; Chris perks up when I ask about the upcoming massive tour...

“We just hoping to have fun, it’s our first long-ish tour so it should be good. Mourning Tide (HvH Tour mates) are awesome dude too. There’s nothing better than playing shows and having people know your songs and having a record that you’re proud of”

Awesome. Lastly, Chris dear, now this is very important: Which Beatle would win in a fight?

“Ringo, definitely, the angriest. He’s the narrator for Thomas the Tank Engine, he’s gonna win!”

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