New Model Army: Unbroken

Such is the high standard of their recent output that it would be easy to suggest that New Model Army are going through a renaissance, but in truth this band have never let their standards slip across their 24 years as a going concern, and new album Unbroken is no different. In fairness, while pushing the envelope on the odd occasion, neither have NMA ever really stepped too far from their quite singular punk, folk, post-punk rock outlook and again, this latest offering is no different. However, whatever it is that fuels this band - usually anger at the modern world, politicians, authorities and, well, the people who allow it all to happen (namely most of us) - it works in their favour, this new album sounding incredibly fresh, vibrant, and utterly believable in a way that many bands could only ever hope to.

Always keeping an eye on the many injustices in the world, the timing of the release of Unbroken has coincided with The Post Office Scandal here in the UK (a quick Google of that phrase will reveal the ginormity of the miscarriage of justice that it has been), and “I Did No Wrong� deals with that scandalous situation, although singer, guitarist and NMA mainman Justin Sullivan is at pains to point out the song was written and recorded and this album due for release long before this story become such huge news here in the UK. The rest of this album is equally keenly observed but of course, none of that would matter if the music these words dance, howl and spit through wasn’t equally as well constructed. Right from the off, with the trademark guitar melodies and thundering drums of “First Summer After� it’s clear that Unbroken finds this band in rude health, “Language� an insistent shuffle that burrows quickly into the mind, “Coming Or Going� a clarion call that harks back to The Ghost Of Cain days, while “Idumea� carries its message forward on tribal drums and almost chanted vocals.

None of these songs are exceptions, I could have highlighted any of the eleven this album contains and explained why they are vital, involving and engaging. Are New Model Army ever less than those three things and many more? On the evidence presented here, not even for one second.

Track Listing
1. First Summer After
2. Language
3. Reload
4. I Did Nothing Wrong
5. Cold Wind
6. Coming Or Going
7. If I Am Still Me
8. Legend
9. Do You Really Want To Go There
10. Idumea
11. Deserters

Added: January 19th 2024
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: New Model Army online
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Language: english

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