New model Army - The bands finest moment comes at the Bearded Theory festival!!!

****2/3

A classic band you must see!!!

(Bearded Theory Festival - Meadow Stage)

New model Army ****2/3 I had seen New model Army live once before in Birmingham, and even though I enjoyed them. I didn't think anymore about the band, and have not listened to them for years. My brother was always a huge fan, and for me they were just one of his band. But I have to say after seeing them at the Bearded Theory festival, I will be checking them out more. Because they impressed me with their set was something quite special. Every song was as good as the one before, and their presence and performance was spotless from start to finish. 

And I just wished I knew their songs better, because what I was witnessing was something quite special. And by the audience's reaction to them, I think there was many people agreeing with me on this. They open their set with the rakus 'Get me Out', which has some really great lyrics to it. Behind them on the stage is the cover to classic album 'Unbroken', which they play a few songs off which include 'Coming or Going', 'First Summer After' and 'Language'. These are all played consecutively, with Justin Sullivan welcoming you in like he is some kind of Gypsy God. This is great music which is still on the Crust of Alternative Punk and Goth, New model Army cross over so many genres.

Which also includes Post-Punk and Folk Punk, and music that has a political edge to it. They don't play the song I know the best 'Vengeance', which is a real shame. I remember my brother playing this, and jumping around the room going on about getting the bastards. A great moment in the set is when they slow things down to play newer song 'Winter', which has a softer vibe to it. But is still striking at the same time, with its amazing storytelling. All New model Army's songs have a distinctive style to them, you could not mistake them for any other band. Yes! they came from the scene that included bands like Therapy? that played before them, and the Levellers not to mention others. But New model Army are a band that stand out on their own as well, and I think this is because they really capture the sound of the decade they first emerged in.

Also the fact they can play songs from so many different records next to each other, and none feels out of place. Is a good thing, if you are a New model Army fan. You always get what you want from 'Angry Planet' and 'Purity', to 'No greater Love' and 'Here comes the War'. The last of which I just can't stop listening to, since I have come back from the festival. It is so big and powerful, and has a great attitude to it. I think New model Army after all these years have won me over, and now I will be buying a few albums. My turntable will have the sounds of the a band, that is just going from strength to strength and will never die

Review by Dan Devour and Photos by Dan Devour and Dezadie

New model Army - Setlist
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Get me Out
Coming or Going
First Summer After
Language
Winter
225
Stormclouds
Here comes the War
Green and Grey
1984
No greater Love
Idumea
Angry Planet
Purity
Wonderful Way to Go
I 

Check Out! the Video for 'Language' Below...