South Locust - it's an eerie street sign half glimpsed at night somewhere in North Texas, an apocalyptic marker. But it also suggests other images and meanings; what is a locust down here at the bottom of the world, in Aotearoa? Emerging post pandemic as a reinvigorated three piece, Swallow the Rat (guitarist Brian Purington, drummer/vocalist Hayden Fritchley, bassist/ vocalist Stephen Horsley) return with their now 2nd album "South Locust". A welcomed follow on from last year's 7" teaser "Other Rooms" as well as current single "Terra Nullius". 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 locustcloud. 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). 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). Strong alternative rock with noisy, psych and post-punky vibes.