The world is gonna kill you, but you’re never gonna quit.
It’s open heart surgery; there’s nothing wrong with it,
but your operating table needs a sanitizer hit.
Urban Heat’s Sanitizer is a curious concoction, indeed. It’s as if the sombre soul of ’80s goth had a raucous rendezvous with the spirited darkwave zest of the present, each bringing their own bottle to the party. This track pilfers with panache from the bygone era’s treasure trove, sprucing it up with a dash of modern malaise to suit our current tastes. The affair culminates in a melody that could very well animate a soirée set in the years yet to come, replete with choruses that cling like a well-mixed martini, lyrics that tickle the intellect while flirting with dissent, and transitions so smooth, they’d put the finest silk to shame.
Not only do the seamless arpeggios and Horstmann’s ethereal vocal delivery capture the imagination;Urban Heat’s deft juggling act of blending melodic synths with a bass line packs a punch, evoking a curious cocktail of feelings. One moment you’re basking in the warm glow of nostalgia, the next you’re mulling over the existential dread of the present, only to be lifted into a hopeful gaze toward the horizon.Urban Heat pilots this roller coaster with the precision of a seasoned acrobat, leaving the audience teetering delightfully between epochs – and emotions.
Watch the video for “Sanitizer” below:
Urban Heat formed in 2019 when multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Jonathan Horstmann enlisted Kevin Naquin and Paxel Foley to form a live show based on his analogue sound design. The three Austin music scene vets decided to form a supergroup of diverse rock artists.“There’s not a ton of other Black musicians in Austin who play rock, and having that representation was important to me. I didn’t wanna be the only Black artist in an otherwise all-white band,” confides Horstmann.Urban Heat had a remarkable year in 2023, marking a significant milestone in their career. Joining the ranks of Artoffact, they re-released their beloved ‘Wellness’ EP on CD, dropped fresh tracks, and embarked on extensive tours across North America. Their dynamic presence at Cruel World Festival, sharing the stage with legends like Siouxsie and Iggy Pop, was just the beginning. Their hit “Have You Ever?” clinched the Austin Music Award for “Song of the Year,” and their energetic showcases at SXSW, coupled with two North American tours supporting Vision Video, featuring numerous sold-out shows, underscored their rising status. This culmination of achievements led to Urban Heat being honored as ‘Best Band’ by Austin Monthly’s Best of ATX, cementing their place in the music scene.
Urban Heat is currently on tour with Twin Tribes. See the full list of dates here.
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