A sudden heatwave has struck London and we’re rinsing it for all it’s worth. And where there’s sun, a solid summer soundtrack should follow, so we’ve recruited the musicians featured in HERO 15 to dig deep through their record collections and mix a killer playlist with maximum hit-rate. Next up is LA outfit Gateway Drugs, currently readying their sophomore record, the band metabolise a diverse range of influences to create a sound utterly their own. Here they cut together a taste of their killer record collection…

Music needs an access point for its physiological impetus to take effect, and Gateway Drugs are a direct source. The Los Angeles band draw from the music culture of the 70s through 90s on stage, the years that saw bands from The Cramps to Sonic Youth treat live shows like an art form.

They’re strong influences that make a lot of sense when you find out three of the members – Noa, Liv and Gabriel – are the children of Prescott Niles, bassist for The Knack (My Sharona).

It’s no small feat that the band, whose line up is made four by friend Blues Williams, has already played with the likes of Ride, Swervedriver and The Soft Moon. Oh, and they’ve opened for The Jesus and Mary Chain. They released their debut album, Magick Spells, on Cobraside last year, led by singles Friday Is For Suckers, the reckless Anu and the profound I’m in Love with a Teenage Heartthrob. Their punk infused niche projects Los Angeles’ sonic revival, but it’s a sensibility steeped in rock ‘n’ roll rectitude that makes Gateway Drugs’ sound not only current, but a dark testament to artistry of old.

Fur Immer by NEU!
“NEU! is a Krautrock band from the early 70’s and one of our major influences.”

My Baby Cried All Night Long by Lee Hazlewood
“The production on this record and on this song in particular has a very haunting lounge 60’s vibe that makes you wanna sit in a smoky bar and drink whiskey all night.”

Ljosberinn by Dead Skeletons
“Dead Skeletons are a music and art project out of Iceland. Their record is incredible start to finish.”

I Love You by Spacemen 3
“Falling in love on ecstasy”

Eisbaer by Grauzone
“This song sounds like amphetamine psychosis.”

Jesus I Was Evil by Darcy Clay
“This album was recorded on a four track, Darcy described his music as,“Country fried punk rock.”

Shake the Hippie by 39 Clocks
“39 Clocks are a Duo from Hannover and they were known for integrating things like vacuum cleaners in their live set.”

I’m a Man by Bo Diddley
“Bo Diddley is God.”

Half Way To Hollywood by CG Roxanne and The Nightmares
“CG Roxanne are one of our favourite bands in Los Angeles.”

Le Responsable by Jacques Dutronc 
“The Man.”

I’ve Been Hurt by Love by Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band
“Best heartbreak song ever.”

Double Exposure by Television
“This is a cool version of one of the best Television songs from the Brian Eno Sessions.”

Dance by ESG
“Excellent girl group from Brooklyn – a DJ must.”

Keep Your Dreams by Suicide
“Escalator to Heaven.”

Goa Goa MPU by HGich.T
“Smoke cereal, polar bear ice lines.”

Cavity Creeps by Gateway Drugs

Image credits: from left-right, BLUES wears jacket and shirt by PAUL SMITH FW16; sunglasses stylist’s own. LIV wears jacket and choker by TOM FORD SS16; trousers by DOLCE & GABBANA SS16; tank top and sunglasses her own. NOA wears jacket and shirt by SAINT LAURENT by HEDI SLIMANE.

GABE wears jacket and shirt by SAINT LAURENT by HEDI SLIMANE.