For close to a decade, The Dirty Nil have carved out a consistent run of riff-filled records. Thriving in punk rock n’ roll, they’ve more than often settled for being bombastic, yet never sacrificing their raw foundations. Now operating as a streamlined duo, founding members Luke Bentham and Kyle Fisher, the Canadian band strip things back with their fifth album, ‘The Lash’.
At first, there isn’t much to differentiate it from The Dirty Nil‘s other work, but that’s no complaint. ‘Gallop of the Hounds’ opens proceedings with big guitars from Bentham and Fisher’s bold drums. If anything, tracks such as ‘Fall In Time’ and ‘Rock and Roll Band’ reaffirm the duo’s knack for crafting lean, raw anthems. The former is delivered with a familiar swagger, yet sharper guitars. Meanwhile, ‘Rock and Roll Band’ blares with a heavy rock stomp, and an adolescent warning to the pitfalls of the music industry.
Bentham’s increasingly introspective lyricism fits neatly into the band’s stripped-back sound. His songwriting is more personal and candid than ever. Whether it’s putting on a front amid a failed relationship on ‘Hero Narrative’ or hints of insecurity that appear throughout. ‘This is Me Warning Ya’ is a remorseful, low-lit reflection on past mistakes, framed by plucky guitars and haunting keys. It’s an ominous standout amongst the often urgent urgency that The Dirty Nil rely on. The theme of introspection and being weighed down by personal burdens reappears on ‘Spider Dream’. Previously described by the band as their “most Beatles-sounding song”, it finds comfort in clean, jangly guitars and melancholy lyrics.
Yet for all the reflection, The Dirty Nil haven’t lost their fight. They Won’t Beat Us’ is a gritty, defiant battle cry. While ‘I Was A Henchman’ lifts the weight with Bentham repeating “I’m free” over buoyant, metallic riffs.
Where in the past, The Dirty Nil would deliver a tour-de-force of riff-heavy punk and rock songs, ‘The Lash’ thrives on creative freedom. It allows the pair to throw in the thrash-laden ‘Do You Want Me’ in-between calmer moments like ‘Spider Dream’ and ‘This is Me Warning Ya,’ without second-guessing themselves. When paired with Bentham’s personal songwriting, it results in a duo that is liberated, energised, and in sync with each other.
More than just a stripped-back record, ‘The Lash’ captures a band comfortable in their own skin. The Dirty Nil are confident enough to slow the pace, speak from the gut, and still deliver the kind of grit that made their name. It’s a record that doesn’t just mark a new chapter; it reaffirms why The Dirty Nil matter in the first place. Firing on instinct, and continuing to be one of rock’s most consistent.
‘The Lash’ by The Dirty Nil is released on July 25th on Dine Alone Records.
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