The Heat Inc. – Are they your next favourite band?

Album – Asleep in the Ejector Seat

Review by Linda McDermott

How do you discover your next favourite band? Is it when someone recommends them to you, or do you stumble upon them as support at a gig, or maybe they’re on the line up at a festival? For me, it can be any of the above, but on this occasion, it was at the Call of the Wild festival, in Lincoln.

On stage were the band The Heat Inc. belting out some great tunes, each one different, each one outstanding in its own right, and each one winning me over. Once the festival was done, I needed to find out more about them as I loved their performance.

Checking them out I discover they have released seven singles and an EP as well as have an album out on vinyl called ‘Asleep in the Ejector Seat’, but not only that, three of the songs from the album are featured on the soundtrack to the movie, ‘Hot Milk’.

Their music has influences from some of the greats such as The Ramones, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones and Nick Cave to name but a few.

Band members

Jon Dodd, vocals (guitar on This Thing Called Love)

Marco Simoncelli, guitars

Nicolas Rigot, bass/backing vocals

Maurizio Vitale, drums/backing vocals

Now I have my hands on the album, I highly recommend it. It is a masterpiece of how to write songs and captivate listeners.

Track List

Souvenir

Draw Blood for Proof

Little Knuckle Charlie

‘98

This Thing Called Love

Akasaka Murder Squad

Get Wild

Ms. Willie Mae

Samson

Ultraviolence

Souvenir kicks off the album as it means to go on, it has a great beat captivating me with the raw energy in its vocals and music. This is a great introduction to the album and a powerful start, that draws me in, and I want to hear more.

Draw Blood for Proof is a track I keep replaying over and over. It starts with a Ramones influenced intro that has me dancing around the room. It is fabulous with a constant drum beat running through it, that shows off Jon’s voice to the full. I love the

backing vocals that add that extra layer to it and I’m singing along before I know it, which is always a good sign.

Little Knuckle Charlie starts with a deeper tone and musically it has a great groove that adds another twist and turn to their repertoire, it has a captivating blend of infectious beats, and a lively, bouncy rhythm drives it forward.

’98 creates another level to their musical and lyrical talent with this great rock ‘n roll number that was released as a single. Definitely one that’ll have your foot tapping in appreciation of its rhythm.

This Thing Called Love brings the bluesy side of the band to the mix. It has a laid-back groovy tone to it that breaks loose throughout, enhancing the overall feel. It’s a dynamic rock track, pulsating with great energy that for some reason has me thinking of the intro to the TV series ‘True Blood’

Akasaka Murder Squad this track brings the heaviness back to the band’s music as Jon’s distinctive voice kicks in with its tonal layers. It is heavy and needs to be played extra loud.

Get Wild this song has a well-crafted pulse that adds to its melodic tones. It isn’t as heavy as other tracks, but it is just as engaging and catchy and has an emotional edge that captivates. It is another complexed song that leaves a lasting impression on me.

Ms. Willie Mae musically this track has a punk undercurrent to it, with its raw energetic, fast tempo, and great guitars. The energy exudes from every note played as it builds, I mean, what’s not to like.

Samson is a heavy rock song that is powerful in its delivery. It is intense with its riffs, thunderous drums and bass line. The vocals, create an atmospheric story that heightens its impact.

Ultraviolence, last but most certainly not least is this fantastic track bringing the whole dynamic album to a close. It is led by an acoustic guitar and has a Bowie feel about it, I love how the laidback melody has me closing my eyes to listen. It’s a song that I imagine being played in a large stadium where the crowd use their mobile phone torches to light up the whole place as they sway side to side. Epic!

The Heat Inc have some major achievements under their belts, and speaking to Marco he says of the album “It is cool that it was made album of the year by Radio Warfare and album of the week by Louder Than War magazine. It was also among the recommended albums by Rough Trade shop. We played the album release gig at Rough Trade East in London last year. It was great! We had Terry Edwards, an amazing sax player who played with PJ Harvey, Nick Cave, Tom Waits, etc. as guest for that event.

Rebecca Lenkiewicz, Oscar winner screenwriter for the movie Ida, directed her first movie now, called Hot Milk and she used three of our songs, Get Wild (the main song of the movie), Polaroids and Little Knuckle Charlie, as soundtrack. We are very glad she used our music in her poetic film which included actresses Emma Mackey, Fiona Shaw and Vicky Krieps!”

To conclude, the album as a whole has intricate guitar riffs that are a standout feature, as they skilfully weave depth and intensity to each track. The drums and bass add that rhythmic beat that holds everything together as Jon delivers the lyrical element that makes this album a special one for me. With its eclectic mix of songs there is something for everyone who listens to the bands that influence them. The overall vibe of this album makes it a fantastic addition to any playlist.

Each song from their repertoire reflects a compelling narrative, echoing the passion and intensity embedded in their music. This talented band not only embraces the spirit of rock music but also brings a fresh and distinctive mix to the scene, and that’s something to be admired.

So, are they your next favourite band?

The album will be released online soon but meantime if you’d like to buy the vinyl version, you can do so following the link below. https://www.roughtrade.com/en-gb/product/the-heat-inc/asleep-in-the-ejector-seat

Videos

Get Wild https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXkfAN7SJ9Y

Draw Blood for Proof https://youtu.be/hhqgylHVAiE?si=5mIluIqKlx4iVhiG

‘98 https://youtu.be/2X2G4IZZ-Mo?si=OPIBIfFODKvTHYpS

Socials

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheHeatInc

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theheatinc?igsh=MTVwZmhtcjBqenNwOQ==