American Post-Punk Band, Urban Heat Rocks X-Arcade
- Gabriella
- Apr 29, 2025
- 1 min read
Last Sunday (4/27/25) Urban Heat played at X-Ray Arcade in Milwaukee. This trio from Austin, Texas, has been quietly—and then not-so-quietly—carving out a space where post-punk, synth-pop, and goth rock mix.
Formed in 2019, Urban Heat is the brainchild of Jonathan Horstmann, a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist. Raised in a conservative Christian household, Horstmann found his voice later in life after moving to Austin. Joining Horstmann are Kevin Naquin on synths and programming, and Paxel Foley on bass and samples.
Urban Heat’s breakout moment came with the release of their single “Have You Ever?” in 2022. The track went viral on TikTok, amassing over a million views and earning the 2023 Austin Music Award for Best Song. This success propelled the band into the spotlight, leading to performances at major festivals like SXSW, Austin City Limits, and the Cruel World Festival, where they shared the stage with icons like Siouxsie and Iggy Pop.
Seeing Urban Heat live, even without knowing their discography, was an experience that I’m glad I didn’t miss. Their performance really mixed typical punk sounds with a more melodic goth feel which made their music unique. Horstmann’s commanding presence anchored the trio and the addition of a live drummer really enhanced the live show, adding depth and intensity to their already powerful sound without being overpowering. As they continue to evolve and push the boundaries of their sound, Urban Heat remains a band to watch in the ever-changing landscape of modern-punk music.
For more information on Urban Heat, including tour dates and music releases, visit their official website at urbanheatband.com.
