Swallow the Rat Release Their First Single of 2026: ‘Commitment’
Swallow the Rat Release Their First Single of 2026: ‘Commitment’
October 30th, 2026
This Friday October 30th heralds the release of the first new music of 2026 by Swallow the Rat: the single ‘Commitment‘ (accompanied by a video made with the assistance of NZ On Air).
Swallow the Rat is an acclaimed post-punk band from Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, consisting of a core duo of guitarist Brian Purington and drummer Hayden Fritchley, and now bolstered by the return of bassist Stephen Horsley.
About ‘Commitment’, from the band:
“‘Commitment’ came into existence in 2025 during the brief period that we had Jimmy Coldham in the band. It serves as a marker for that time, and also a taster for our next record, which we are currently working on.
“The core parts were recorded live in one take, with vocal and synth overdubs happening. Of interest to some might be the mix from Sonny Diperri (Protomartyr, DIIV, Nothing).
(Fun fact: DIIV are playing Laneway 2027).
“The video was made by our friend Thom Burton (Guardian Singles). He’d been toying with some animation, which tickled our interest, and we gave him free artistic licence to do whatever he wanted.
“We have to say, a breakdancer in a STR video was not on our bingo cards!”.
From Thom Burton, director:
“Spaces for art and creativity feel increasingly under attack – the song felt like it’s a voice in the distance trying to survive something, so we wanted to push it a step further. With Te Oka’s dancing we were able to create a sort of explosion of expression – and movement through non-places”.
Pre-save ‘Commitment’ here.
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Swallow the Rat are a post-punk band from Auckland, New Zealand, consisting of a core duo of guitarist Brian Purington and drummer Hayden Fritchley. Since forming in late 2017, steady releases and relentless touring has seen the band earn a dedicated underground following. They’ve also been selected for coveted international support slots for the likes of Sebadoh, No Age, Gang of Four, Arab Strap, June of 44, Quicksand, Toe, and Mannequin Pussy.
In 2024, on the back of sophomore album South Locust, the band completed their third US tour, taking them from Texas to New York and back again, concluding with a triumphant return to SXSW. South Locust was recorded by long-time collaborator of the band Nick Abbott (Die! Die! Die!), mixed by Sonny Diperri (Protomartyr, Diiv) and mastered by Carl Saff (Sonic Youth).
Debuting at No. 7 on the Official Aotearoa Album Charts, South Locust made numerous end-of-year lists, and the track ‘Cave’ was voted a top ten single at the 2024 NZ Student Radio Network Awards.
Swallow the Rat’s live band has recently been joined by Jimmy Coldham (Coffin Club, BURDENZ) on bass.