Structured around the core duo of Jonathan Horstmann and Kevin D. Naquin, Urban Heat Island Effect merges the pulsing, futureshock sounds of Austin’s emergent darkwave scene with the melodic anthems of the city’s countless indie rock luminaries. The result is a revitalizing mix of thrilling hooks and soaring melodies that recalls Naquin’s former tourmates TV on the Radio as well as the moody aloofness of The Human League. Horstmann and Naquin are joined live by bassist Pax Foley (Dark Palaces).

Urban Heat Island Effect are currently recording an upcoming release with engineer/producer Jonas Wilson (Aaron Behrens of Ghostland Observatory and Midnight Stroll) that promises to blend the rousing potency of Horstmann and Naquin’s punk bonafides with the dark romanticism of their more esoteric projects and cement their place in the synth music pantheon.

- Morgan Davis of Ovrld.com