White Reaper – Just a Bit Hollow

      A gradual return...

      06 · 10 · 2025

      White Reaper, previously dubbed ‘The World’s Best American Band’ thanks to their 2017 album (which I personally agreed with), now finds themselves without a rhythm section of brothers and have restructured as a three-piece. It’s a setback, certainly, but not a fatal one. In fact, their latest album ‘Only Slightly Empty’ feels like a bold step into reinvention, even as they navigate what the final output will ultimately be.

      The band has always excelled at clever titles (‘White Reaper Does It Again’ (2015), ‘The World’s Best American Band’ (2017)), which were part of what initially drew me to them. Now, more than a decade after starting, they present ‘Only Slightly Empty’. Compared to the boldness of their past names, this one feels almost exposed, like a half-smile concealing something deeper. Is it a conscious acknowledgment of their missing rhythm section? Possibly. The title suggests a band coming to terms with loss, recognizing that something is absent but the situation isn't devastated—just missing a drink. There are hints of Weezer and Moose Blood to be found, and at times a less upbeat Hot Hot Heat, but does it sound empty without their original rhythm section? Not at all. Does it feel whole? Not quite. Nonetheless, it signals a new path and represents not just a new chapter but an entirely new book for the band.

      The opening track ‘Coma’ hits hard, bursting forth like a bulldozer. It sets a frantic pace that makes you wish the rest of the album could match it. It doesn’t entirely. Instead, the band veers into 90s grunge-infused garage punk. They even experiment with electronic elements in songs like ‘Honestly’, showcasing that White Reaper is willing to break the mold in search of new inspiration. The gaps, however, are essential: spacious interludes where each instrument has its chance to shine and, most importantly, where the vocals take center stage. Frontman Tony Esposito's voice is the unifying factor, rough yet distinctly his, carving out White Reaper's unique identity among their garage-punk contemporaries—and a key reason I fell for the band in the first place.

      In summary, the album is one that grows on you, the kind that may not make a big impact on the first listen but stays with you, waiting for a revisit, and then seamlessly falls into place after some time. When I continue to share about White Reaper, I will likely play tracks like ‘Daisies’ and ‘Make Me Wanna Die’ before diving into this new album. Yet, there will undoubtedly be a period of adjustment that I am willing to endure. When they come to the UK with Militarie Gun next year, I will enthusiastically sing along to these songs, partly in disbelief that they are in the UK at all (eek!), and partly thankful they are still making music. Because while ‘Only Slightly Empty’ may not be overflowing, it certainly shows that White Reaper isn’t finished creating just yet. I'm eager to see what they’ll offer next.

      7/10

      Words: Jazz Hodge

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