The Empty Threats
Schedule
Sun Oct 12 2025 at 07:30 pm to 10:30 pm
UTC+01:00Location
The Sunflower Lounge | Birmingham, EN
Yampy Promotions presents The Empty Threats + guests.Kaurna-based sextet The Empty Threats fuse Australian post-punk and noise rock into a metallic rainbow of snarling bass, frenzied guitar work, restless percussion, and electric clarinet. Unleashing unadulterated party rock; unmasked, wild, dirty and free; their shows are an anti-religious spectacle that unifies the audience and band through the power of mindful rock n roll.
Launched in 2017, The Empty Threats are a band of unconventional souls that feel things intensely, pouring their emotions into their compositions and stagecraft. Perceiving the world as atypical misfits, they unapologetically lean into radical authenticity, creating music which freefalls into the depths of human emotion.
The Empties are made up of long-term contributors to the Adelaide live music scene; Stu Patterson, Matt Schultz, Lenny Regione, Michael Bond, Grace Mensforth and Alex Dearman. Inspired by artists Tropical F*ck Storm, Aldous Harding, Kraftwerk and Car Bomb, their rebellious sound blends experimental noise with euphoric dance grooves, executed with professionalism, expertise and flamboyant theatrics.
A live Empties show combines Bowie-esque glamour with unbridled energy, a cathartic experience that cultivates a sense of belonging and acts as medication for both band and audience. The Empty Threats have become renowned for their politically charged anthems and compelling live shows, where amps are scaled, roofs climbed and rafters swung from. Their raw and unguarded lyrics are delivered with tremendous stature on stage in an unfiltered show of liberated expression, curating a seductive and safe atmosphere in which big feelings are welcome and individuality is encouraged.
In 2023, The Empty Threats released their debut album Monster Truck Mondays, an album formed around themes of colonialism, genocide and queer rights. Considered with gravitas by industry and audiences alike, it was met with praise from KEXP, Rage, MTV, Rolling Stone, Pilerats, Tone Deaf, Purple Sneakers, Australian radio and Spotify.
“On Monster Truck Mondays, we address poignant political issues that resonate with our core beliefs as a group, and explore the overwhelm we feel as a result of the global climate while rejecting social norms. We touch on topics such as anti-abortion rights, climate change, colonial genocide, plus advocate for queer rights and love.” – The Empty Threats
Their second album released in 2025, Happy Birthday, delves inward, an invitation into their collective psyche and a gutsy expose of their internal landscapes. Representing the uniquely queer and neurodiverse experiences of each band member, it is an empowering ode to the beauty of the world when seen through the lens of such eyes. And recorded live, it authentically reflects both the cohesion and hectic energy they’re acclaimed for.
“On Happy Birthday we take a more insular approach; how seeing the world through a queer and neurodivergent lens makes us feel. Topics include; brain rot, heartbreak (love & death), depression/disconnection to societal normals & learning about the way we each uniquely function. Monster Truck Mondays was our ADHD album, Happy Birthday is our ASD album!” – The Empty Threats
The Empties have toured Australia several times over and toured the EU and UK in 2024, including a headlining show at Roughtrade in East London. They took out BEST LIVE ACT at the National Live Music Awards 2023; won Best Song and Best New Act along with receiving seven nominations at the South Australian Music Awards 2023; they’ve shared lineups with BENEE, Methyl Ethyl, Mildlife, Teen Jesus & the Jean Teasers, Jimmy Barnes and ICEHOUSE, and performed at festivals including Camp A Low Hum in Aotearoa, WOMADelaide, Spin Off FESTIVAL 2023, Yours & Owls’ 2023 and appeared at Bigsound 2023. They’ve made ears bleed (Jimmy Barnes’ fans) and souls soar (everywhere else).
“Infusing the tradition of Australian post-punk with a vibrant performativity not otherwise seen in the genre, The Empty Threats seize and hold your attention with their in-your-face performances, evoking the tradition. Their blend of genre-bending music with razor-sharp social commentary is exemplified by their no-holds-barred approach to performing.” – Biennale of Sydney
“Electric, rambunctious, and textured….As a proudly queer, alternative powerhouse, they’re trailblazers in the Australian music scene. Amid light-hearted banter, the Adelaide quintet stand tall as fierce advocates against oppression — carving their own path, and not giving a fuck what anyone else thinks.” – Junkee Magazine
“A disgraceful anti-social performance” – Jessica Leslie (Facebook)
