Hamilton, Ontario’s The Dirty Nil roar back with The Lash, their fifth studio album, out now via Dine Alone Records. At just under 30 minutes, the record is lean, loud, and among the most focused work of their career.
From the breakneck opener Gallop of the Hounds to the punchy drive of Fail In Time and Rock N’ Roll Band, the album leans into the Nil’s trademark mix of jagged riffs, explosive drums, and Luke Bentham’s unmistakable snarl. It’s raw and immediate, the kind of punk rock built to shake walls and rattle ears.
But The Lash isn’t all high speed and volume. Tracks like This Is Me Warning Ya pull back, revealing a more vulnerable side through stripped-down instrumentation and reflective lyrics. Elsewhere, songs like Spider Dream and Hero Narrative layer melody with emotional bite, showing the band’s growth without losing their edge.
Critics have already hailed The Lash as some of The Dirty Nil’s best work to date—angrier, sharper, and more direct than ever. It’s a record that captures the energy of their live shows while pushing their sound into new territory.
For fans of punk rock that balances grit with melody and swagger, The Lash is essential listening.
