The Dirty Nil
Fuck Art
Dine Alone Records
Fuck Art is the third studio album from the Hamilton, Ont.-based The Dirty Nil, in which they reaffirm their commitment to keeping the spirit of rock βnβ roll alive. Partially recorded in Torontoβs Union Studios and finished during quarantine in lockdown, the trio reteam with veteran music producer John Goodmanson to deliver 11 tracks chock-full of sheer adrenaline, heavy distortion and guitar-charged power.
The Dirty Nil swan dive into a multitude of genre influences across Fuck Art. Channeling the likes of Metallica and MotΓΆrhead for the lead single βDoom Boy,β βRide or Dieβ and βDamage Control,β which soar with thundering riffs, powerful drum rolls and even a guttural death-metal roar or two. Elsewhere, power-pop, punk and ethereal alterna-rock turn up to make the record their most diverse-sounding to date without ever making it feel like the power trioβs working outside their wheelhouse.
Lyrically, Fuck Art features more mature writing from the guys who filmed a music video inside frontman Luke Benthamβs momβs Dodge Caravan before demolishing it for kicks. Bentham honestly addresses the relatable insecurities and realizations that befall a rock band entering early 30s adulthood. βHello Jealousyβ hears him grappling with boomeranging feelings of jealousy (βIβm going through the seasons wearing envy like a coatβ), while βPossessionβ is a pointed attack on toxic, dysfunctional relationships.
That said, The Dirty Nil havenβt entirely grown up yet. No, theyβre still letting loose with less serious tracks about bringing on karmic retribution (βTo The Guy Who Stole My Bikeβ) or championing smashing their TVs and cell phones and going outdoors to get away from all of lifeβs nonsense (βOne More And The Billβ). But the cheeky title and adorable puppy dog cover art mightβve already been a dead giveaway from the start.
In the end, cranked up distortion levels and subgenre-melding shreddage collide to let the good times rock βnβ roll on The Dirty Nilβs ultra-fun, riff-roaring and somewhatβextra emphasis on the βsomewhatββemotionally intelligent Fuck Art.
SPILL FEATURE: MAKING THE BEST OF A BAD SITUATION β A CONVERSATION WITH LUKE BENTHAM OF THE DIRTY NIL
Artist Links
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE DIRTY NIL – FUCK ART
Matt Owczarz