On their joint UK headline tour, the Dirty Nil and Microwave visited Gorilla in Manchester, supported by Sick Joy and we were lucky to catch the show!

The Dirty Nil were a massive surprise, one of the most striking aspects of this trio from Ontario, Canada is their glorious intensity, from their blistering guitar riffs, their deep bass lines and then their thunderous drums beats all come together in a sonic assault that hit listeners like a punch to the gut. Beyond this, they’re infectiously charismatic. With a huge sense of songcraft, we were talking infectious hooks, anthemic melodies and lyrics that dive into being young and being rebellious. My favourites that spring to mind are ‘Celebration’ and ‘Wrestle Yu to Husker Du’. The Dirty Nil are a band worth paying attention to. 

From Atlanta to Manchester, next up were Microwave, they’ve been a favourite of mine for a while now, their lyrics resonate with myself and their fans alike. It’s their hard hitting vocals about the bands and the front man, Nathan Hardy’s journey through hardship with loss, mental health and the monotony of everyday life. 

In addition to their lyrical depth, Microwave is also known for their musicianship. From blistering guitar riffs to propulsive rhythms and soaring vocal harmonies, each member of the band brings a unique energy and talent to the table. Whether they’re delivering anthemic rockers or more subdued ballads, their performances are always imbued with a sense of passion and intensity.

MICROWAVE

THE DIRTY NIL

Photos + Review by Dylan Charlton | Exclusively for Music, Why Not!