House of Cosy Cushions introduction

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House of Cosy Cushions combines blues, folk, and classical influences with rock to make music that is at times gritty, raw and honest and other times hauntingly gorgeous. Originally from Amsterdam the band is now based in Dublin. Evoking glimmers of Nick Cave, PJ Harvey and the Velvet Underground, House of Cosy Cushions is more of an open structure than a cohesive unit with musicians drifting in and out of the tracks, creating space for the unexpected. Melancholy harmonies and mysterious tension filled textures provide a backdrop for sensitive, poetic lyrics.

The current line-up is Richard Bolhuis (Vocals/Guitar), Liz Pomeroy (Vocals), Stephan Kiernan (Drums), Rob Campbell (Bass), and Rossa O’Neill (Trombone)

Songwriter Richard Bolhuis is the driving force leading the band. House of Cosy Cushions began as a continuation of Terrapin, Richard’s first musical project with Australian violinist Stephan O’Hara.

Richard had always sought ways to fuse his music with visual art, he collaborated with Erik Hendricks to make the ‘Palace for the Lost Ones’ music video. The video will be available for viewing here in the coming weeks.

House of Cosy Cushions performance in ‘The Paradiso’, Amsterdam in June 2004 was filmed by Fabchannel and can be viewed at fabchannel.com

They are known as a very intense live band playing music that is authentic and uncompromising. In the endless line of indie bands, House
of Cosy Cushions is a challenging and refreshing alternative.

What the Dutch press has to say about HoCC…

“After a few minutes you realise this is a super band. Frontman Richard Bolhuis has a beautiful and strong tenor-voice and writes original compositions. ‘And You Feel’ is one of those songs that takes you by surprise and has a sound that makes your flesh creep.” (Stage Magazine, Belgium)

“Fortunately there is still a band making headstrong music in Holland. Frontman Richard Bolhuis writes poetic lyrics with a dark edge.” (Fret Magazine, Holland)

‘”Shall we meet in the theatre? On an empty stage. We can make up a story. Scream and cry in rage.’ Beautiful words from the pen of Richard Bolhuis, who is an exceptionally talented person.” (Oor Magazine, Holland)

“Amsterdam’s best kept secret.” (Amsterdam Weekly)