Review Summary: Stadium Rock for a Dive Bar
When Canadian punk rockers, The Dirty Nil, released their sophomore album, Master Volume, it wouldn't have been a stretch to imagine they were destined for great things. Band members Luke Bentham, Ross Miller, and Kyle Fisher, were giving their all in captivating energetic live performances, and were coming off a high after capturing the Juno award for "Breakthrough Group of The Year" in 2017.
The Dirty Nil are a textbook case of What Might Have Been.
For those who love their music brash, loud, and unapologetic, Master Volume does not disappoint. From the start, the opening track "That's What Heaven Feels Like" catapults listeners into a mosh pit of sound that doesn't let up until the very end.
Lead singer Luke Bentham's raw, energetic vocals are complemented by distorted guitar riffs and thundering drums that make every song feel like an anthem. The pulsating beat of "Pain of Infinity" and the catchy chorus of "Please, Please Me" are standouts on an album where every track feels like a hit.
Not only is the music top-notch, but the lyrics capture the angst and frustrations of the modern world. "Evil Side" tackles social and political issues head-on, while "I Don't Want That Phone Call" reflects on the terror of loss.
Master Volume is an impressive follow-up to the band's debut album, Higher Power. It's a fierce and uncompromising album that's sure to please fans of classic punk rock. The Dirty Nil's Master Volume is a roaring beast of a record that's not to be missed.
