The Dirty Nil Show Review - Chicago
Written by: AJ Bloom
If you ever find yourself wondering what the epitome of existence is, it happened on January 31st, 2025. The Dirty Nil playing a sold out show at Subterranean in Chicago, IL, that’s what heaven feels like. The Canadian trio took the stage at Sub T with a dazzling, unmatched presence, and the harsh realities of the world melted away instantly.
Photo by AJ Bloom
If you’ve ever been to a rock show, you know the energy is electric. Yet somehow, electric doesn’t quite begin to describe the feeling of hearing the intro to Doom Boy blasting directly in your face. One of the band’s harder hitting songs, yet still with an element of softness as the lyrics romanticize holding hands and listening to music in the back of their mom’s Dodge Caravan. The song is a perfect manifestation of what it entails to be a punk kid in love - a feeling the audience experienced firsthand as they watched the show unfold.
It’s no secret that The Dirty Nil is extremely talented. Their alluring lyricism, exquisite musicality, and critical attention to detail have always shone through in their music. But nothing could have prepared me for the way that my jaw was going to be on the floor for the duration of their set hearing it all come to life. Witnessing these qualities in real time was an experience that nothing can compare to. The combination of this raw talent and the energy of the crowd allowed for me to be more present at this show than I had been at any show for a long time. Taking in every moment like a plant on the verge of withering away being gifted with a drink of water, I was truly living.
Lead singer, Luke, took a moment to comment on his supposed lack of ability to give meaningful speeches. However, it didn’t matter at all that there wasn’t much conversation between songs. Even the farthest members of the crowd felt the genuine connection radiating from each member of the band. The pure joy and love for what these guys do is absolutely evident, and that put this show at the top of my list. The artists that have the greatest impact are the ones that have the greatest love for what they do. And The Dirty Nil, they love what they do.
Closing with their cover of Metallica’s Hit the Lights, Nil left the crowd already anticipating the next time they’re back in Chicago. From the vocals to the instrumentals to the stage presence, this show was nothing short of perfection. There are still several shows left as part of their US tour, and if you’re anywhere close to any of them, I highly recommend getting out to one. And know that if you do, you’re in for the time of your life.
