Watch Swallow The Rat's Video For New Single 'Commitment'

Rock solid and ever-changing, Tāmaki Makaurau post-punk noise-sculptors Swallow the Rat have a brand new single out, in advance of their headline set at the first ever Tāmaki Makaurau ALTFEST. A smouldering, locked-in dirge of piston-like percussion, bleary drones and chugging guitars, 'Commitment' has received a suitably rhythmic visual treatment courtesy of director Thom Burton (Guardian Singles, Moppy).

Made with support from NZ On Air, the accompanying clip for 'Commitment' spotlights the fluid expressive breakdancing of Te Oka Toia — overlaid with Len Lye-adjacent vibrant abstractions — wandering Tāmaki's graffiti-splashed urban zones. Hit play below and catch Brian Purington, Hayden Fritchley and returning bassist Stephen Horsley at ALTFEST this December...

"'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." - Swallow the Rat

"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." - Thom Burton

Rothko Records Presents
Tāmaki Makaurau ALTFEST
Saturday 5th December - Big Fan, Auckland

16:00 - Somniium
16:45 - Nailfile
17:30 - King Hit (WLG)
18:15 - Demons of Noon
19:00 - Exit Sign
19:45 - Threat.Meet.Protocol (TGA)
20:30 - Chlorine
21:15 - Sunwraith
22:00 - Erase Everything
22:45 - Back to the Hillside
23:30 - Swallow the Rat

Early birds on sale HERE via UTR (all-ages & licensed)

'Commitment' is out now on major streaming platforms.