Auckland, New Zealand post-punk band Swallow the Rat have announced the release of their second studio album ‘South Locust‘, set for release on Sept 1, 2023 via Shifting Sounds. Reuniting with acclaimed engineer Nick Abbott (Foals, Die! Die! Die!), the album was recorded at NorthWestern in Auckland, and mixed remotely in Los Angeles by Sonny Diperri (Protomartyr, Diiv). South Locust was lovingly mastered and cut in Chicago by Carl Saff (Sonic Youth). Emerging post pandemic as a reinvigorated three piece, Swallow the Rat features guitarist Brian Purington, drummer/vocalist Hayden Fritchley, bassist/vocalist Stephen Horsley. A number of guest musicians also feature – backing vocals are provided by Thom Burton (Guardian Singles), LG Galleon (Dead Leaf Echo, Clone) and Hayley Fisher (Dead Little Penny). Make no bones, this is a change up from their previous guise. With a new dual vocal attack, voices now soar, growl or reassure, while the stripped down format provides for more space and dynamics. Lyrically, the floodgates have opened too. Looking over their shoulder, the band survey the legacy of colonialism, neoliberalism, the internet, as well as broken friendships and scenes/things torn apart, as if by a locust cloud. The album will feature 10 new tracks with the record’s lead single “Terra Nullius” which can be streamed below.

RIYL: Fontaines DC, Murder Capitol, Jesus and the Mary Chain, Joy Division, Sonic Youth