Swallow the Rat

**Swallow the Rat** is a New Zealand-based post-punk/noise-rock outfit known for their gritty, reverb-drenched sound and hypnotic rhythms. Formed in Auckland, the band blends elements of shoegaze, garage rock, and surf-tinged psychedelia, creating music that feels both primal and meticulously textured. Their lineup has included members like Brian Purington (vocals/guitar) and Liam Gerard (drums), with a rotating cast of collaborators adding to their raw, experimental edge. They’ve carved out a niche in the underground scene with releases like *The Nest* (2020) and *Yourself Still* (2022), earning comparisons to bands like Sonic Youth and The Jesus and Mary Chain.

Active since at least 2015, Swallow the Rat has toured extensively in New Zealand and Australia, sharing stages with acts like The Chills. Their recent tracks, including the hazy “South Locust” and the brooding “Redactor’s Dilemma,” showcase their knack for balancing melody with dissonance. The band’s DIY ethos and commitment to analog recording techniques give their work a visceral, live-wire energy that’s made them a standout in the modern post-punk revival.