This Heat
This Heat was an English experimental rock band, formed in 1976 in London, England. The band consisted of Charles Bullen (guitar, clarinet, viola, vocals, tapes), Charles Hayward (drums, keyboards, vocals, tapes) and Gareth Williams (keyboards, guitar, bass, tapes).
Known for their innovative and challenging sound, This Heat blended elements of post-punk, krautrock, musique concrète, and free improvisation, creating a distinctive and influential style often described as art rock or experimental rock. Their music frequently incorporated unconventional recording techniques, found sounds, tape loops, and dissonant harmonies.
The band released three studio albums: This Heat (1979), Deceit (1981), and Health and Efficiency (1982), as well as a number of EPs and singles. Though they achieved limited commercial success during their active period, their work has garnered considerable critical acclaim and a dedicated cult following in subsequent years. This Heat's influence can be heard in the work of numerous artists across various genres, including post-rock, industrial, and electronic music.
The band dissolved in 1982, with each member pursuing individual projects. Gareth Williams died in 2001. Bullen and Hayward have occasionally collaborated on projects that revisit This Heat's music.
Key characteristics of This Heat's sound include:
- Dissonance and unconventional harmonies: Their music often featured clashing chords and unusual melodic structures.
- Tape manipulation and found sounds: They incorporated pre-recorded sounds and manipulated tape loops to create unique textures.
- Improvisation: While their compositions were structured, they also allowed for improvisation and spontaneity.
- Political and social commentary: Some of their lyrics addressed political and social issues.
This Heat remains a significant and influential band in the history of experimental rock music.