With their skill for sounding both agitated and content, Hamilton, Ontario punk band The Dirty Nil convey a different take on youth and its music. Last April’s compilation release Minimum R&B has them effortlessly slinging pop punk hooks with satisfied swagger but no uptight pretense. Listen to the explosive kick of the chorus in their signature anthem “Fuckin’ Up Young” and you’ll hear a simultaneous snarl and smile. The album is only their second full-length, but they’ve played together long enough to gain some self-awareness. Genre-wise, the group is indeed often labelled as “punk” — with occasional sub genres assigned for specificity — but The Dirty Nil has always maintained that they play “rock ‘n’ roll.” Just plain old rock ‘n’ roll. Additional descriptors are just noise.
We quizzed the band ahead of their Live on King Street set on Friday night. The Dirty Nil’s touring has always swayed between native and travelling circuits, and it’s an integral part of their identity. As they’ve seen a lot of the ups and downs of both nations, we asked vocalist Luke Bentham to rate the United States versus Canada on a variety of subjects.
Which country has the best…
Booze?
Canada.
Outdoor sports?
Canada because baseball is boring as fuck. Hockey forever, and yes, you can play it outside. Go Jays, though.
French fries?
Canada. We have poutine.
Dive bars?
USA. Can’t beat the price of beer at a sleazy American bar. Little Dick’s in OKC, we’re lookin’ at you.
Beaches?
America. California, you win.
Punk music scene?
Have to leave it at a tie on that one. There’s lots of great punk music in both.
General drama?
USA of course.
Festivals?
Neither. Festivals are fun to play, but who cares? Riot Fest is a favorite, though, and it has taken place in both.
Landmarks?
Tie.
Coffee?
American gas station coffee.
Musical legacy?
Tie. Too many greats. Canada has a distinct curse, though, of having some of its most beloved musicians never making into the ears of American listeners. Sad.
Chance of making it through the next 10 years?
Well, we’ll have to see. I think we’ll get stuck going down with the ship, if you know what I mean. Canada, though, for sure.
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