The Nils
| Company type | Punk rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Founder | Alex Soria, Carlos Soria |
| Headquarters | Montreal , Canada |
| Products | Music albums, EPs |
| Website | www |
The Nils is a punk rock group from Montreal that originated in 1978, founded by Alex Soria. Their 1982 demo Now, featuring five tracks, helped them gain recognition within the local music scene. The band's self-titled first album, released in 1987, received high praise from critics including Rolling Stone and fellow punk musicians such as Hüsker Dü. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, the band experienced several breakups and reunions until Alex Soria passed away in 2004. The band was later reactivated in 2010 by Carlos Soria, culminating in the 2015 album Shadows and Ghosts, marking their first new release in over a quarter-century.
Early days
The Nils were established in 1978 by brothers Alex Soria, then only twelve years old, and Carlos Soria, emerging from Montreal’s punk rock movement with clear influences from bands like the Sex Pistols, The Clash, and The Damned.
Their debut recording was the 1982 cassette demo Now. In 1983, they secured opening slots for the Ramones and X during shows in Montreal. That same year, BYO Records from Los Angeles invited them to contribute the track "Scratches and Needles" to the compilation Something to Believe In. In 1984, they added "Call of the Wild" to Primitive Air Raid, a Montreal punk compilation issued by Psyche Industry Records. Psyche Industry then released The Nils' EP Sell Out Young! in 1985, followed by another EP titled Paisley on Siegfried Records in 1986. The favorable reception of these records caught the attention of hip-hop label Profile Records, which subsequently signed them to its Rock Hotel Records imprint.
Success
In 1987, The Nils secured a contract for seven albums with Rock Hotel Records, a label that had recently signed prominent punk groups like D.O.A. and Cro-Mags. Carlos Soria described this agreement as being "almost a major" label deal at that time. Their debut full-length album, titled The Nils, was produced by Chris Spedding—noted for his work with the Sex Pistols—and recorded at Manhattan’s Chung King Studios.
The album was distributed within the United States by Profile Records, a leading name in hip-hop music. It garnered critical acclaim and climbed to number eight on Rolling Stone's College Music chart. Esteemed musicians such as Bob Mould, members of the Meat Puppets, and Superchunk lauded the record.
Despite its success on charts, Rock Hotel Records offered limited support regarding music video production or touring opportunities. Carlos Soria highlighted the absence of promotional efforts despite their chart achievements. Industry insiders like John Kastner from the Doughboys suggested that if The Nils had been based in the U.S., they might have attained influence comparable to bands like The Replacements.
Break Up
During a North American tour while preparing their sophomore album, Rock Hotel Records encountered financial difficulties in 1988. The Nils learned in Minneapolis that their tour was abruptly canceled due to the bankruptcy of parent company Profile Records. Contractual obligations barred them from releasing new material or signing with other labels for four years. Lacking resources for touring or recording, the group dissolved: Carlos Soria relocated to California, while Alex Soria went on to form new projects including Los Patos and Chino, supplementing his income through occasional solo shows in Montreal.
Reunion
After parting ways with Profile Records in 1992, Alex and Carlos reassembled The Nils, but by 1994 progress slowed following a handful of demo recordings and live performances. During this interval, Alex issued a retrospective collection titled Green Fields in Daylight via Mag Wheel Records.
Subsequently, Alex spearheaded the band Chino alongside Mark Donato (who would later join The Nils), releasing Mala Leche, an album blending unreleased tracks from The Nils with fresh material before disbanding in 2002. In 2003, Alex, Carlos, and Mark revived The Nils to begin crafting new songs. Unfortunately, on December 13, 2004, the group halted activities due to the tragic loss of Alex by suicide.
The Nils regrouped in 2010 with Carlos stepping into the role of lead vocalist, describing it as his way of honoring Alex’s memory. Their 2015 release, Shadows and Ghosts, marked their first album of original work in a quarter-century. Garnering critical praise and extensive radio exposure, it paved the way for prominent performances such as at Amnesia Rockfest. In 2017, the band’s debut album was reissued by Label Obscura to celebrate its 30th anniversary.
On November 18, 2022, The Nils unveiled their fourth EP, Five Roses, which includes four new compositions by Carlos and Alex Soria alongside a cover of “Pink Turns to Blue” by Hüsker Dü. Drawing inspiration from Montreal’s renowned Five Roses Flour sign, the EP’s lead track “Fourth Line” received acclaim for its “gritty and melodic” qualities reminiscent of their celebrated debut sound.
Lineup
- Current
- Carlos Soria – Bass and Vocals
- Mark Donato – Guitars and Vocals
- Phil "Gravedigger" Psarakos – Guitars
- Emilien Catalano – Drums
- Former
- Alex Soria – Vocals and Guitar
- Chico Fit – Bass
- Guy Caron – Bass
- Terry Lee Toner – Drums
- Eloi Bertholet – Drums
- Jean Lortie – Drums
- Yvan Doroshuk – Keyboards
- Colin Burnett – Drums
- Lonnie James – Drums
Discography
- Albums
- The Nils, Profile Records, 1987
- It Must Be Something, Real Big North Records, 2009
- The Title Is the Secret Song, Real Big North Records, 2009
- Shadows and Ghosts, 2015
- Brand New Waves Session, Artoffact Records, 2017
- EPs
- Now!, 1982
- Sell Out Young, Psyche Industry Records, 1985
- Paysley, Siegfried Records, 1986
- Five Roses, 2022
- Compilation Albums
- Green Fields in Daylight, Mag Wheel Records, 1996