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The Dirty Nil

Free Rein To Passions

Written by: PP on 15/10/2023 13:27:22

Five years separated from their career masterpiece "Master Volume", The Dirty Nil are shifting distinctly away from the brawly, snotty punk rock chaos that defined their first two albums. Much like "Fuck Art" two years ago, their fourth album "Free Rein To Passions" is more polished in comparison, but also introduces a new stylistic change to their soundscape. This time, it's pure rock'n'roll centered around guitar worship, for the most part.

The resulting sound is less of an all-out brawl and crazed shout-fest, which is how I like to describe their best, more punk-oriented material. Instead, you have songs like "Celebration" and the title track "Free Rein To Passions", both of which have a rowdy rock'n'roll atmosphere with undertones of the 70s and 80s rock bands embedded within. "Nicer Guy" is akin to their melodic singles from both previous albums, and "Undefeated" also features a nicely shouty, memorable chorus. I'm also a fan of "Blowin' Up Things In The Woods", given its uptempo rhythm and bright, cheerful chaos.

But sandwiched in between these are songs that would be considered filler on any of their earlier records. "Atomize Me", "1990", and indeed either of the two aforementioned rock'n'roll tracks are loud, but lack the unpolished explosiveness of their past work. They are abrasive but don't capture your attention in the same way at all. This approach works on occasion, like on the power ballad "Stupid Jobs" about quitting your job, but a similarly designed song like "The Light The Void And Everything" just isn't very interesting overall.

"Free Rein To Passions" is unquestionably the weakest album The Dirty Nil has written. It's a perplexing work that feels like an attempt at expanding their sound for larger stages but losing its lovable chaos style in the process. I miss their crazier PUP and Jeff Rosenstock-style saloon brawls.

Download: Nicer Guy, Undefeated, Stupid Jobs, Land Of Clover
For the fans of: Weezer, PUP
Listen: Facebook

Release date 26.05.2023
Dine Alone Records