The Housemartins - Build: A Masterpiece of British Indie Pop

In 1987, at the height of the British indie pop scene, The Housemartins released their iconic single Build outta. This song, from their debut album London 0 Hull 4 , is often praised for its unique combination of joyful melodies and deeper, socially critical lyrics.

Musical style

Build is a perfect example of the characteristic sounds that made The Housemartins popular in the 80s: a mix of upbeat indie pop, with soul and rockabilly influences. The harmonies are catchy and the instrumentation is simple but effective, with upbeat guitar chords that give the song an energy that gets you moving instantly. It is a song that is suitable for both the dance floor and for listening to the subtle messages in the lyrics.

Text and theme

The texts of Build are both optimistic and profound. The song talks about the desire for change and progress in a world that is mired in routines and limitations. The phrase “Let's build a house where we can stay” can be understood as a metaphor for building a new society, a better future, or even for personal growth and freedom. The message is clear: change is possible if we are willing to work hard for it.

Impact and significance

Although Build didn't become the big commercial hit that some other tracks from the '80s were, it has a permanent place in the hearts of indie pop fans and is still considered a classic. It was one of the songs that defined the band, and it left a lasting impression on British musical culture. The Housemartins remained an influential band in the indie genre over the years, especially with their ability to incorporate social and political themes into their music in a way that was both light-hearted and meaningful.