8 Oct 2024
UsernamePassword

Remember Me? | Join | Recover
Click here to sign in via social networking

Swallow the Rat - Album Review: South Locust

20 Oct 2023 // A review by Brad Miller

One of the things I love about this gig is that I regularly get introduced to new (to me) artists, and every now and then, there’s a standout. That’s what happened with Swallow The Rat. As I write this I’m on my third play through of their latest album South Locust. About thirty seconds into opener Terra Nullius I realised that I made a terrible mistake. I raced to switch from my mediocre headphones to the house sound system and cranked it up.

Some music is just better at full volume, South Locust is a perfect example of that. The post-punk trio from Tamaki Makaurau consisting of Brian Purington (guitar), Hayden Fritchley (drums, vocals), and Stephen Horsley (bass, keyboards, vocals) deliver a ten-track powerhouse. Delving in to themes of colonialism, broken friendships, and even the internet South Locust proves to also be a thought provoking endeavour.

With certain tracks diving into delightfully grimy nineties punk/grunge territory (Idea of South and Redactor’s Dilemma being excellent examples, reminiscent of early Nine Inch Nails), and others exploring the vibes of eighties British legends like The Cure even The Clash (Gravois Park and Straight Roads). There’s something on this album for punk fans from all walks of life and sub-genres.

Swallow The Rat are here, they’ve got something to say, and they’re angry about it. Lead single Terra Nullius and ZZK are standout tracks for me, but the whole album is a window shaker and definitely worth your time.

South Locust is available for streaming on Spotify and Bandcamp now, with a limited vinyl release also.

 

About Swallow the Rat

Swallow the Rat formed in late 2017 when guitarists Brian Purington and Sam Vercoe began jamming with drummer Hayden Fritchley. Will Waters (Kerretta) was recruited on bass and in early 2018 the band recorded 3 songs with acclaimed engineer Nick Abbott, all of which charted on New Zealand's Alt Charts and Student Radio, along with receiving air play on KOOP (Austin, TX) and DKFM (CAN). Mid 2018 saw Stephen Horsley take over bass duties and a NZ tour commenced.

In 2019 a self-titled 7" was released which coincided with several showcase performances at SXSW in Austin, TX. A string of shows across New Zealand followed, including opening for No Age, Gang Of Four and Sebadoh. Subsequently, they signed to US label Shifting Sounds.

March 2020 they performed at New Colossus Festival in NYC as part of a US tour. Meanwhile back in NZ the singles Bird of Ill and Cold Moon both went to #1 on the 95bFM Top Ten. 24 April 2020 saw the global release of the LP Leaving Room.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Swallow the Rat

Releases

South Locust
Year: 2023
Type: Album
STR/CLONE Split
Year: 2021
Type: EP
Leaving Room
Year: 2020
Type: Album
Buy Online @ Mightyape
Swallow the Rat
Year: 2018
Type: EP

Other Reviews By Brad Miller

Blake - EP Review: I'm Doing Fine!
04 Sep 2024 // by Brad Miller
Blake's I’m Doing Fine! bursts to life with Red Hearts.
Read More...
Napoleon Baby - EP Review: Unworthy Boys
15 Jul 2024 // by Brad Miller
The debut EP from Napoleon Baby, Unworthy Boys, is here, and what a release. The Tamaki Makarau trio have delivered a well-crafted and honed effort that explores our life and times and the frustrations and injustices they come with.
Read More...
Gig Review: Lost Tribe Aotearoa @ Yot Club, Raglan - 28/06/2024
29 Jun 2024 // by Brad Miller
It was a bittersweet night in Raglan on Friday the 28th of June as a crowd gathered to farewell The Yot Club one last time. What a sendoff it was!
Read More...
Gig Review: Devilskin @ The Factory, Hamilton - 21/06/2024
23 Jun 2024 // by Brad Miller
Walking through the main entrance to The Factory on Friday night, you could be forgiven for thing you’d stepped onto battlefield before the carnage. With a packed house only a few minutes after doors opened - an impressive feat for Kirikiriroa - and the mist from the fog machine descended across the stage.
Read More...
Liam Gonen - Album Review: Expiration Date:
30 May 2024 // by Brad Miller
The debut album from Liam Gonen - Expiration Date: has found its way onto my review list today. Liam released his first single Judas back in 2022, and while there may be a bit of a vibe shift to the melody with Expiration Date: from his previous work, his unique vocal style and lyrical work are still prominent on this latest release.
Read More...
Where's Jai - EP Review: Avenues
18 Apr 2024 // by Brad Miller
For some artists, first time is not the charm. Debuts are often messy and lacking vision as the group or artist continue to figure out their sound and their way in the industry.
Read More...
EP Review: The Boondocks
01 Feb 2024 // by Brad Miller
Reviewers can sometimes fall into the trap of being either overly critical or offering nothing but cringe worthy praise when writing. When it comes to this latest effort put forward by Auckland two-piece (Scott Parker, vocals and bass and Branden Pritchard, drums) The Boondocks, the high praise is well deserved and genuine.
Read More...
Lot.12 & Personal Igloo - EP Review: Who Killed Nigel?
23 Aug 2023 // by Brad Miller
7 years after their last release Lot.12 are back and stronger than ever with their sophomore EP Who Killed Nigel?
Read More...
View All Articles By Brad Miller

NZ Top 10 Singles

  • DIE WITH A SMILE
    Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars
  • TASTE
    Sabrina Carpenter
  • BIRDS OF A FEATHER
    Billie Eilish
  • TIMELESS
    The Weeknd And Playboi Carti
  • ESPRESSO
    Sabrina Carpenter
  • GOOD LUCK, BABE!
    Chappell Roan
  • A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
    Shaboozey
  • LOSE CONTROL
    Teddy Swims
  • TOO SWEET
    Hozier
  • BEAUTIFUL THINGS
    Benson Boone
View the Full NZ Top 40...
muzic.net.nz Logo
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report a ProblemReport A Problem