Swallow The Rat (NZ)

Swallow the Rat is a post-punk band from Auckland, New Zealand, consisting of guitarist Brian Purington and drummer Hayden Fritchley. Since their formation in late 2017, the band has been steadily releasing new records and touring tirelessly. This has earned them popularity in the alternative-underground scene around the world and the opportunity to support bands such as Sebadoh, No Age, Gang of Four, Arab Strap, June of 44, Quicksand, Toe and Mannequin Pussy. In 2024, in addition to their second album South Locust, the band completed their third American tour, which took them from Texas to New York and back again, to a triumphant conclusion at the SXSW festival. The album was recorded by long-time collaborator Nick Abbott (Die Die Die), mixed by Sonny Diperri (Protomartyr, Diiv) and mastered by Carl Saff (Sonic Youth). The record, which debuted at number 7 on the Official New Zealand Albums Chart, was featured on numerous year-end best album lists, and "Cave" was voted best single of the year at the 2024 NZ Student Radio Network Awards. In 2025, the band released the EP Face Unpopular. Three new songs, which will be accompanied by a rousing remix by A Place To Bury Strangers, will be released in May.