The Dirty Nil have been around for nearly 20 years now. They started as a noisy, messy punk rock band from Ontario, Canada, and made a name for themselves with huge guitar riffs, wild live shows, and a don’t-care attitude. Over time, things got a bit more polished, maybe a bit too polished — but on The Lash, they’ve thrown all that out the window.

From the first track, Gallop Of The Hounds, it’s clear they’re not messing about. Guitars are cranked, drums are thundering, and the whole thing charges forward with proper energy. It’s a breakup song, but it sounds more like a battle cry.

The whole record keeps up that spirit. Fail In Time brings big melodies and catchy grooves. Rock N’ Roll Band is a furious dig at the music industry, with frontman Luke Bentham spitting out lines full of bite. Do You Want Me is fast, sharp, and unforgettable – under two minutes but hits like a punch.

Still, there are softer moments too. This Is Me Warning Ya is a slow, stripped-down song where Luke sings quietly over a gentle guitar. It’s a rare look at the band’s more vulnerable side, and it works because it’s honest – no drama, just real emotion.

Spider Dream is another surprise – dreamy, mellow, and strange in a good way. It shows they’re not afraid to try new things. They Won’t Beat Us and Hero Narrative bring back the heavy, with big choruses and riffs that lean into proper rock territory. There’s even a hint of metal at times, but they never lose their sense of fun.

The sound is rough and real, like a band playing in a sweaty pub rather than chasing a radio hit. They recorded it quickly with a new producer, and it shows – in a good way. No fancy tricks, no overthinking. Just guitars, drums, and guts.

The Lash is The Dirty Nil doing what they do best – big riffs, loud choruses, and just the right amount of chaos. It’s rough around the edges in all the right ways, with enough surprises to keep things fresh. Whether you’re here for the punk energy, the rock attitude, or the unexpected quiet moments, this one’s worth your time – their best record in years.

Releasedate: 25-07-2025 | Label: Dinne Alone | Instagram

Tracklist:
01. Gallop Of The Hounds
02. Fail In Time
03. That Don’t Mean It Won’t Sting
04. Rock N’ Roll Band
05. This Is Me Warning Ya
06. Do You Want Me
07. Spider Dream
08. They Won’t Beat Us
09. Hero Narrative
10. I Was A Henchman