The dirty nil - 'the lash', album review
- Zara Fraser
- Jul 27, 2025
- 3 min read
Hailing from Ontario, Canada, the dirty nil brings us a dynamic new album with tracks to suit every mood, From lazy Sunday afternoon listening, to anthemic rock tracks. The whole album was recorded in just over two weeks, so you can imagine how much passion and inspiration is packed into each song. The bands drummer, Kyle Fisher, joked "I've been telling people this is Luke's therapy record" and we can see why, with tracks addressing heartache, determination and music industry burnout. Let's dive in and take a track-by-track look at the new album.
Track 1 - Gallop of the hounds - Kicking off a killer album with a phenomenal first track, gallop of the hounds is a very easy, very catchy listen. Starting off with elements of classic rock, then serving us up a sound shift halfway through, this song finishes strong and captivates the listener the whole way through. This is the kind of track you'd imagine as the backdrop for Sunday afternoon beers, relaxing with friends, then heading off for a wild night out. Compliments to the members of the dirty nil, because this initial track had me pumped for the rest of the album.
Track 2 - Fail in time - This track personifies 'easy listening rock'. This track will have you singing "I've got a feeling in my spine; this will fail in time" over and over. The electric guitar distortion in the outro leads you into their next catchy track....
track 3 - that don't mean it won't sting - This is the kind of track you belt out when you're in your feelings. "they say that time heals everything... but that don't mean it won't sting". I loved hearing the vocalists raw emotion pulsing through this track, serenaded by a backdrop of electric guitar.
Track 4 - rock n' roll band - Mixed into rock we hear a bit of a pop-punk/emo tone in parts of this track. These elements add to the story behind the track and make it even more fun to sing along to.
track 5 - this is me warning ya - The echo of the vocals in the beginning of this track really emphasize the track name. This song is eerie, captivating and fascinating to listen to. The softness of the track comes at a perfect time, calming us down mid-album in preparation of building the energy right back up, with.....
track 6 - do you want me? - short and sweet at only 1 minute, 44 seconds long, this track is energetic and lively. Shifting the tone of the album back into dynamic rock.
Track 7 - spider dream - This track reminds me of so many other bands. Every few lines it unlocked a new memory. Immediately I thought of death cab for cutie. This is the track I'd listen to while painting, with a glass of wine, on a sunny, Sunday afternoon.
Track 8 - they won't beat us - An anthemic track with great repetitive use of the title throughout. The type of song you'd love to sing out loud in a crowded pub with your best mates.
track 9 - hero narrative - This track reminds me of being at a gig and knowing that they're wrapping it up, but you're on such a high you're pretending that the end isn't near. This track flows perfectly into the finishing song for the album.
track 10 - I was a henchman - Bringing it home, I was a henchman is a strong final track to round off a fantastic album. I really appreciated the mood shifts throughout the album. There was a track for every day of the week. a track for the days where you feel powerful, but also for the days when you're sinking in your feelings.
For more information on the band, check them out here.
