The Thing (rock band)

The Thing is a Norwegian/Swedish free jazz band formed in 2000. The group consists of Mats Gustafsson (saxophone), Ingebrigt Håker Flaten (bass), and Paal Nilssen-Love (drums). The band's name is taken from a composition by jazz trumpeter Don Cherry.

The Thing is known for their high-energy performances and their interpretations of music ranging from free jazz and noise rock to punk rock and avant-garde music. They have covered songs by artists such as The Stooges, PJ Harvey, and White Out, in addition to performing original compositions.

The band has released numerous albums on various record labels, including Smalltown Supersound and Trost Records. They have also collaborated with other musicians, including Joe McPhee, Otomo Yoshihide, and Ken Vandermark. Their music is often characterized by its raw intensity, improvisational nature, and blending of different genres. The band is highly regarded within the free jazz and experimental music scenes.