Fast-rising Kaurna Land/Adelaide queer post-punks The Empty Threat’s debut album Monster Truck Mondays has arrived via P.A.K. Records.
Launched in 2017, The Empty Threats (lovingly referred to by fans as ‘Empties’), is the project of Stu Patterson, Matt Schultz, Venus, Lenny Regione and Michael Bond. Since the release of their debut single in 2018, the group have drummed up a reputation for their politically-charged anthems adjacent to the post-punk of shame and Tropical F*ck Storm, melded with ‘80s Australiana.
Monster Truck Mondays sees the group lean further into social advocacy, exploring themes of anxiety, existential dread, capitalism, LGBTQIA+ rights and colonialism over snarling bass, frenzied guitar work, restless percussion and electric clarinet.
Speaking to the new record, The Empties share, “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.”
Charged, rambunctious and textured, Monster Truck Mondays explores crippling anxiety and scattered attention, white Australian culture and the prioritisation of big sport, mining and oil companies over arts, healthcare and education, colonial Australia and the poor treatment of first nations peoples, and self-realisation while reflecting on one’s mortality.
Release: July 28th, 2023, P.A.K. Records