The Forgotten Iconic Band of The 70s You Probably Never Heard Of

The 1970s marked a period of musical exploration, witnessing the emergence of diverse genres like punk, disco, and heavy metal. Amidst this vibrant musical landscape, one band often overlooked is This Heat. Despite their relative obscurity, This Heat played a pivotal role in shaping the experimental music scene of the decade, leaving an indelible mark on the trajectory of alternative music.

Formed from the remnants of Quiet Sun

A progressive rock outfit featuring Charles Hayward and Phil Manzanera of Roxy Music fame, This Heat embarked on a sonic journey characterized by innovation and experimentation. Following Manzanera’s departure, Hayward and Charles Bullen joined forces with Gareth Williams, an unconventional addition to the band as he was not a trained musician but possessed an insatiable passion for music.

Unlike the prevailing trends of the time, particularly within the burgeoning punk movement, This Heat eschewed conformity, opting instead to chart their own path. Their music defied categorization, blending elements of noise rock, avant-garde, and industrialism to create a mesmerizing and unconventional sound palette. Their debut album, aptly titled “This Heat,” was recorded in a makeshift studio known as Cold Storage, a nod to its former function as a chilly storage room. Despite its unassuming bright blue cover, the album’s content was anything but ordinary.

The opening track, “Testcard (Blue),” sets a foreboding tone with its minimalist tape sounds, paving the way for the frenetic energy of “Horizontal Hold.” Drawing inspiration from krautrock influences, This Heat crafted a sonic landscape that challenged conventional norms and captivated listeners with its audacious experimentation.

The release of their sophomore album

“Deceit,” released in 1981, marked another milestone in This Heat’s musical journey. Building upon the foundation laid by their debut, “Deceit” continued to push the boundaries of sonic exploration while incorporating more structured song arrangements. Thematically, the album delved into pressing social and political issues of the era, serving as a poignant reflection of the turbulent times in which it was created.

Despite critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base, commercial success eluded This Heat. However, their influence transcended the confines of mainstream recognition, leaving an indelible imprint on subsequent generations of musicians. Renowned artists such as Steve Albini and Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth cite This Heat as a major source of inspiration, while contemporary bands like Preoccupations and Squid continue to draw upon their legacy in shaping their own musical identities.

In 2016, This Heat briefly reunited under the moniker This Is Not This Heat for a series of live performances, offering fans a rare opportunity to experience their groundbreaking sound once more. Tragically, Gareth Williams passed away in 2001, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and creativity that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Although many people may not know about This Heat, their impact on experimental music is clear. They bravely explored new sounds and stayed true to their artistic vision, leaving a lasting mark on music history. They’ll always be remembered as pioneers who helped shape a time of endless creativity and innovation in music.

Listen to “This Heat” song “Horizontal Hold” below: