The Dirty Nil Essentials

The Dirty Nil are living proof that the various subgenres built around rock music—punk, metal, grunge, power pop—are ultimately meaningless, because, at their best, they all chase the same thing: a 50/50 ratio between power-chord crunch and heavy-duty hooks. Since their debut in 2011, the Dundas, Ontario power trio have consistently struck that perfect balance, mainlining all the aforementioned styles into a melodic mayhem that’s equal parts Weezer and Warped Tour. But even when they’re singing about car crashes (“That’s What Heaven Feels Like”) and addiction (“I Don’t Want That Phone Call”), the Nil exude a go-for-broke gusto and smirking sense of humor.