"Release the Bats" is a song by Australian post-punk band The Birthday Party. Written by Nick Cave and Mick Harvey, the song was released as a single on 31 July 1981 through 4AD record label, with the B-side "Blast Off". The recordings were produced by the band and Nick Launay. The single charted on UK Indie Chart, peaking at number 3. Achieving a cult status following its release, the title track became influential on the then-emerging gothic rock genre. The tracks off the single were later featured on the CD reissues of the band's final album, Junkyard (1982), as bonus tracks.