About this album
Where they were
This Heat, the debut album by the British band of the same name, was released in 1979 during a time when the band was forming their unique identity in the post-punk landscape. At this point in their career, the group had recently come together, experimenting in a home studio to craft a sound that melded punk's rawness with innovative tape manipulation and eclectic influences.
Why it matters
The album is significant for its pioneering approach to sound and structure, influencing a generation of experimental musicians and contributing to the development of post-punk. It received critical acclaim upon release and has since been recognized as a foundational work within the avant-garde music scene, often cited for its innovative use of studio techniques and unconventional song forms.
Essential tracks
- "Horizontal Hold" — This track exemplifies This Heat's experimental ethos, featuring complex rhythms and dissonant textures that challenge conventional song structures.
- "Not Waving" — With its hypnotic repetitive patterns and haunting vocals, 'Not Waving' encapsulates the band's ability to fuse tension with an immersive listening experience.
- "Twilight Furniture" — 'Twilight Furniture' showcases the band's knack for blending everyday sounds with musical elements, creating an unsettling yet captivating atmosphere.
- "The Fall of Saigon" — This track's stark soundscapes reflect on political themes, serving as an example of how This Heat integrated contemporary issues into their music.
Release Date
January 1, 1979
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Tracklist
- 1 Testcard 0:47
- 2 Horizontal Hold 6:56
- 3 Not Waving 7:26
- 4 Water 3:10
- 5 Twilight Furniture 5:06
- 6 24 Track Loop 5:57
- 7 Diet of Worms 3:09
- 8 Music Like Escaping Gas 3:40
- 9 Rainforest 2:55
- 10 The Fall of Saigon 5:10
- 11 Testcard 3:11
