IN REVIEW: The Dirty Nil - "Master Volume"

The second full-length LP by Hamilton-based rockers The Dirty Nil shows classic rock's continued influence on the group, along with a rapidly growing knack for sharp songwriting and huge choruses. Cheap Trick is an obvious touchstone; the band covered Surrender this summer and named one of this album's songs Auf Wiedersehen (though the latter is not a cover). There are still some ragged edges here too, and the digital version of Master Volume recently had a cover of Metallica's thrash classic Hit the Lights added as a bonus track to give you an idea of how far ranging this band's influences are.

Thematically, much of Master Volume deals with mortality and the pitfalls of excess; there are pleas to friends living on the edge, visions of car crashes, pained tales from motel rooms, all wrapped in tight riffs and howling cacophonies of pure unadulterated rock and roll. It's a brisk, high energy half hour with a pair of slower numbers included to punctuate each side of the record, brilliantly sequenced for maximum impact.

Though there are clear highlights, there also isn't really a dud on Master Volume, at least nothing I have felt the urge to skip over after twenty-plus listens. It's a very easy record to return to, and one that keeps its appeal upon return visits. If you still hold the torch for classic rock with a punk spirit, you can do no wrong with this record.

September 14, 2018 • Dine Alone
Highlights That's What Heaven Feels Like • Bathed in Light • I Don't Want That Phone Call