"Release the Bats" is a 1981 single by Australian post-punk band The Birthday Party, written by Nick Cave and Mick Harvey. Released on 31 July 1981 through 4AD, with "Blast Off" as its B-side, the track was produced by the band and Nick Launay at Townhouse Studios in London. It became a cult classic, peaking at No. 3 on the UK Indie Chart, and is widely credited as a foundational influence on the emerging gothic rock scene123.
Musical Style and Recording
The song is a ferocious blend of post-punk and what would soon be called gothic rock, featuring abrasive, distorted guitars, pounding rhythms, and Nick Cave’s wild, theatrical vocals. The recording session, produced by Nick Launay, was chaotic and intense, with the band members—described as looking "like they hadn't slept in days... like they had just come from church but maybe the church was a ruin with rats"—bringing a raw, vampiric energy to the studio. Launay manipulated the guitar sound to be especially harsh, per the band's request, creating the track’s signature abrasive edge1.
Lyrical Themes and Meaning
"Release the Bats" revels in macabre and transgressive imagery, using references to bats, vampires, and horror to evoke themes of sexuality, liberation, and rebellion. The repeated phrase "Release the bats" acts as a rallying cry for embracing primal, untamed desires and breaking free from societal norms. The lyrics are deliberately provocative and laced with dark humor, as the band themselves conceived the track as "a comedic interlude" that happened almost by accident14. Lines like "She says damn that sex supreme" and "Her legs are chafed by sticky wings" celebrate unconventional sexuality and the pleasure found in the taboo4.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
"Release the Bats" became a highlight of The Birthday Party’s live sets and was particularly influential on the gothic rock genre, inspiring a generation of bands with its mix of horror, sexuality, and sonic aggression23. The song’s impact extended far beyond its modest chart success, and it remains a touchstone for post-punk, goth, and alternative music fans. Its legacy is tied to both the band’s legendary status and the subsequent careers of its members, especially Nick Cave3.
Key Facts Table
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | The Birthday Party |
| Song | Release the Bats |
| Release Date | 31 July 1981 |
| Label | 4AD |
| Genre | Gothic rock, post-punk |
| Writers | Nick Cave, Mick Harvey |
| Producer | The Birthday Party, Nick Launay |
| UK Indie Chart Peak | No. 3 |
| Notable B-side | "Blast Off" |
| Legacy | Influential on gothic rock, cult classic |
Summary
"Release the Bats" is a landmark single that helped define the sound and attitude of early gothic rock. With its abrasive sound, horror-inspired lyrics, and gleeful embrace of the taboo, it stands as a darkly humorous and influential anthem of post-punk rebellion1243.
