Kentucky guitar heroes, White Reaper, have released their new album, ‘Only Slightly Empty,’ via Blue Grape Music. ‘Only Slightly Empty’ is packed with all the distortion and hooks that White Reaper are known for, but also ventures into darker, grungier musical depths with some of the heaviest songs the band have ever penned. Early singles like ‘Blink’, ‘Honestly’, and ‘Blue 42’ showcased White Reaper’s ability to tap into the raw urgency of their earlier work and apply it to ambitious, widescreen songwriting. Now listeners can finally crank up the album in full and listen to one of the best rock releases of 2025.
‘Only Slightly Empty’ finds White Reaper overcoming a tumultuous few years that ultimately resulted in their most anthemic and substantive work to date. After label upheaval, creative blocks, lineup changes, burnout, and more, the group have created an airtight half hour of undeniably great rock & roll. Self-produced by the band (vocalist/guitarist Tony Esposito, keyboardist Ryan Hater, and guitarist Hunter Thompson) and recorded with engineer Joey Oaxaca (Hunny, Mamalarky, Rocket), the record draws on elements of ’90s alternative and darker sounds without ever sacrificing the infectious power pop core that makes White Reaper so appealing. It’s an expert balance that takes the band in exciting new directions while still feeling more confidently like White Reaper than ever. “There’s definitely a fresh start feeling with this record,” says Esposito. “I even have more nerves leading up to people hearing it–I feel like I did back when we were putting out our first music ever. Everything’s so different now but I have that excitement again.”
White Reaper’s US headline kicks off next week with support from Lip Critic, Worlds Worst, and Dazy. Then in early 2026 the band will head to the UK and Ireland for a run of shows with Militarie Gun. See full itinerary below.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
October 2nd – X-Ray Arcade – Milwaukee, WI
October 3rd – Cobra Lounge – Chicago, IL
October 4th – Gabe’s – Iowa City, IA
October 6th – Hi-Fi – Indianapolis, IN
October 7th – Ace of Cups – Columbus, OH
October 9th – The Pyramid Scheme – Grand Rapids, MI
October 10th – Rec Room – Buffalo, NY
October 11th – No Fun Club – Troy, NY
October 12th – Higher Ground – Burlington, VT
October 14th – Portland House of Music – Portland, ME
October 15th – Fete Lounge – Providence, RI
October 17th – The Drake – Amherst, MA
October 18th – Space Ballroom – Hamden, CT
October 19th – House of Independents – Asbury Park, NJ
October 22nd – TV Eye – New York, NY
October 24th – Ottobar – Baltimore, MD
October 25th – Golden Pony – Harrisonburg, VA
October 26th – Kings – Raleigh, NC
October 28th – The Blue Room – Nashville, TN
October 30th – The Green Lantern Bar – Lexington, KY
October 31st – Southgate House Revival – Newport, KY
November 1st – Whirling Tiger – Louisville, KY
February 11th – Electric Ballroom – London, UK
February 12th – Kola – Portsmith, UK
February 13th – Clwb Ifor Bach – Cardiff, UK
February 14th – Brudenell Social Club – Leeds, UK
February 15th – Beech Ave Social Club – Glasgow, UK
February 17th – Button Factory – Dublin, IE