Threats

Threats is a punk group from Edinburgh. The band first forms in 1977 under the name the Reflectors, with members drawn from Dalkeith in Midlothian, and later becomes known as Threats as punk rock takes hold in the late 1970s. The line-up includes Gogs, Meecho, Tin and Jamo.

Early years and UK punk activity

The band starts out with a shared interest in guitar-led rock and the glam rock acts of the 1970s, then shifts into punk after 1977. Early live shows around Edinburgh lead to a contract with Playlist Records. Gigs with the Exploited and a tour with Anti Pasti lead to a deal with Rondelet Records.

The first release for Rondelet Records is the Go to Hell EP in 1981. Its success leads to further shows with UK Subs, Dead Kennedys, Anti-Nowhere League and Chelsea, and the band tours in its own right. In 1982 it records the six-track EP Politicians and Ministers. By 1983, as the UK punk scene declines, the band takes a break.

Later recordings and international touring

Threats returns in 1999 with the three-track Smash EP Back in Hell on Intimidation Records. The band then appears at Holidays in the Sun and goes on to play the festival regularly, missing only 2003. It tours the east coast of the United States in 2002 and later tours the west coast in 2003.

After the 2002 US tour, Doctor Strange Records in California releases 12 Punk Moves. The label also issues Live at CBGB's, a red vinyl limited edition from a CBGB's performance recorded during that tour, and Demos and Rarities, which collects recordings from 1979 to 1983. In 2007 the band releases God is Not with us Today, also on Doctor Strange Records.

Other group activity

Threats forms in 2019 in nipaluna/Hobart, with Bek Binnie on vocals, Dale Evans on guitar and vocals, Kane Parsell on bass and vocals, and Matt Cocks on percussion. Binnie and Evans previously play in Skun Knees, while Parsell plays drums with Evans in Lake Myer. This version of Threats begins live shows in September 2019, including a debut at The Brisbane Hotel supporting Iron Hawk. It later supports A. Swayze and the Ghosts, tours locally until the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, records I’ve Been Disappointing Lately at The Rat Palace, and releases it independently in 2021. The band also plays Dark Mofo in 2021 and releases a split with Smug Anime Face in 2022.