New Model Army: Album Review

New Model Army

30th Anniversary Anthology

Attack Attack Records

For the last 30 years without irony or pretence they’ve been the true definition of ‘genuine’ and here’s the proof

If there exists a straightforward means of conveying just how much New Model Army matter then it’s way beyond the reach my capabilities could ever stretch to - which, in itself, probably sums this band up perfectly - they remain largely unexplored by the dogmatic music fan and are too wonderfully unorthodox for easy labelling. The greatest band mainstream has never heard, unintentional pioneers of modern day politico/post-punk/folk-rock without ever becoming habitual frequenters or typical examples of any particular genre NMA are considered a bona-fide cult band with a staunchly loyal, unswerving fan base. The songs - always atmospheric, politically primed and brimming with energy and passion thanks to the ability of songwriter Justin Sullivan and his knack of summarizing the nation’s emotional depths with powerful, catchy tunes and judicious lyrics. This year the band celebrate their 30th birthday and are to mark the historical occasion they are to release ‘Anthology‘, a double CD album of 30 songs handpicked by members past and present.

With 3 decades of music to choose from -  finding what might best represent the ethos of NMA couldn’t have been the easiest selection process in the world - but they’ve nailed it accurately and with the backbone unmistakeably visible. From the raw post-punk of 1984’s debut ‘Vengeance’  to last year’s ‘Today Is A Good Day’ ( equalling 200 songs recorded) lies the massively influential body of work New Model Army are the proud authors of. The passion and hunger still there and still sharper than broken glass in the corner of your eye, turning on sixpences down through the years, conviction succinct, as always.  The anthems slam hard into the ears and Sullivan’s intellectual interpretations are delivered screechingly time after time. Fiery and beautiful entwined is the beating heart of New Model Army - pulsing the life into the giant of their presence good for another 3 decades yet.

Disc 1

1. Vengeance 

2. Modern Times 

3. Flying Through The Smoke 

4. Master Race 

5. Today Is A Good Day 

6. Here Comes The War 

7. A Liberal Education 

8. Lurstaap 

9. Drag It Down 

10. Christian Militia 

11. Carlisle Road 

12. Purity 

13. Someone Like Jesus 

14. Living In The Rose 

15. Rainy Night 65

Disc 2

1. Whitecoats 

2. Dawn 

3. Afternoon Song 

4. Vagabonds 

5. Bluebeat 

6. South West 

7. Wonderful Way To Go 

8. Lights Go Out 

9. Bloodsports 

10. Red Earth 

11. Green And Grey 

12. Water 

13. Mambo Queen Of The Sandstone City 

14. Better Than Them 

15. Marry The Sea

www.newmodelarmy.org