PHOTO BY DREW THOMSON
The Dirty Nil, a Hamilton-based rock band, has announced their fifth studio album, The Lash, set for release on July 25, 2025, via Dine Alone Records and Civilians. The album marks a departure from their previous work, embracing a rawer, more stripped-down sound. Recorded in just over two weeks with producer Vince Soliveri, The Lash is described as the band's most urgent and electrifying effort to date.
The album's creation was influenced by a trip to the Vatican, where lead vocalist and guitarist Luke Bentham encountered a bronze relief titled The Horrors of War. This image of two men fighting over a knife became a guiding inspiration for the album's themes and aesthetic. The visual design, crafted by UK artist Jack Sabbat, reflects a gritty, punk-inspired style that complements the album's intense energy.
Lyrically, The Lash moves away from the band's usual romantic themes, delving into topics such as music industry burnout and heartbreak. The album's lead single, "Spider Dream," showcases this shift, featuring jangly chords and surreal lyrics inspired by a vivid nightmare Bentham experienced. He describes the song as "the most Beatles-sounding" track they've ever written, blending dreamy melodies with introspective themes.
To celebrate the album's release, The Dirty Nil will embark on a 12-city Ontario tour in September 2025, with dates in cities including Barrie, London, St. Catharines, Oshawa, Peterborough, Kingston, Ottawa, Montreal, and Windsor. Tickets and further information are available on the band's official website.
