The Dirty Beat‘s The Iron Wall is one of the tracks I’ve shared to these pages that has really stuck with me. When I saw they had an album on the way, I knew I had to write about it.

By Graeme Smith

Though quick to point out that their upcoming album, Birthrite (Lancing the Boil), is not a concept album, The Dirty Beat do say it has an overarching theme of “a purge and rebirth ritual. A scathing retrospective of a life turned septic. A cautionary tale of overgrown weeds and dreams turned stale. Those stuck in the wasteland may find some kinship here.”

You might think from that description that Birthrite is going to be a heavy album and, in most senses, you’d be right. There’s plenty of weightiness to it but also bright moments, starting with the Talking Heads-esque social commentary of album opener Mark which builds nicely to a brassy finish. It’s an early example of how the instrumental textures going on in this album are exquisitely interesting.

Am What Am is folksy and morose, providing some early contrast. Over six minutes it morphs into classic rock. To Be Dirt is a deliciously surreal highlight thanks to its low vocals and striking imagery. It’s followed by Ready for Heaven which maintains the style while making it more upbeat. A lively throughline feeds into the bombastic Marching Band. After Ridding provides a soulful and lingering moment, Weightlifter closes the album in bright and self-effacing style.

Lyrically we get poetry and cynicism in equal measure and the compositions stay wonderfully raw and offbeat throughout.

I love acts who are forging their own path in the music industry and treating us to something different. The Dirty Beat are one such act and should be celebrated.

Birthrite is set for release 26 September 2025.