SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: DIRTY RICK – DIRTY RICK

DIRTY RICK
DIRTY RICK
INDEPENDENT

Hamilton, ON’s very own Dirty Rick has returned with their debut, full-length, self-titled album. Following a pair of double singles, released over the last year, Dirty Rick marks the first collection of new music from the band since 2020.

Opening with the fuzz addled crunch of “Diane Wins,” Dirty Rock ushers in a garage band aesthetic led by the effortlessly sardonic melodies from lead singer David Koffman. If “Diane Wins” feels like stomping through a marsh, the band picks up the pace with the aptly titled “SuckerPunch, a hard-hitting track that captures Dirty Rick at their most powerful, accented by gang vocals and mean riffs.

As Dirty Rick continues forward, the band continues to expand their sound from the punk inspired hard rock of the opening three songs. For example, the quirky, off-beat blues of “Vermouth” sounds almost like it could have been pulled straight from a musical as Koffman’s lyrics bounce rhythmically over bluesy guitars, before erupting into a massively heavy instrumental bridge section. Similarly, there is an ever so slight funkiness to “KnightBus/MourningTrain,” particularly heard between the winding riff and wah-drenched guitars from Alex Maich. While demonstrating a greater level of range to their songwriting, additional highlights include “Woah” and “Chemical Blues (Relapse).”

Dirty Rick finally cements themselves as mainstays among both the Hamilton scene and the independent Ontario rock community with their debut, full-length album, Dirty Rick. The eponymous record celebrates their longevity and consistency with an edgy collection of songs best enjoyed at ear splitting volume.

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