New Model Army
With a name taken from Oliver Cromwells 17th century British militia and an ethos rooted in anti-Thatcher politics, not to mention a birth date that precedes most Downtown barhoppers, it may not be surprising that some young Americans arent familiar with Englands New Model Army. But this band, one of the first prizefighters in the 1980s post-punk arena, is often name-checked as an influence of many of the indie rock and punk groups currently in vogue.
NMA is the brainchild of Justin Sullivan, the political intellectual that has fronted the band throughout their 27-year career, and his lifelong partner, poet Joolz Denby. Sullivans soldiers found their way into partial mainstream success in the U.K. in their early days, posting no fewer than 12 hits on the British charts and getting signed by biggie labels EMI and Epic.
Over the course of their career, NMA has seen many players come, and just as many go. The new recruits have often added a nuance that has broadened NMAs style, taking the band from metallic punk into the realms of acoustic folk and back again. Instead of having a diluting effect, this melding of tastes has only strengthened their sound. In fact, the diversity of their repertoire probably has a lot to do with their staying power. Instead of burning out or fading away, NMA has the sonic and songwriting ability to stay fresh and keep fans engaged on many levels. In fact, their lyrics todayloaded with humanitarian, anti-imperial and anarchist themesare equally as urgent and on point as they were when they started.
High, NMAs new album that lands this week on U.S. shores, is yet another assault on religion and socio-political corruption that reminds us that, unfortunately, there are still many battles in the status quo that need to be fought. Sullivan will be leading the charge on NMAs relentless four-month tour through North America and Europe. Their second stop is this week at the Mercury Lounge, with another borough date on October 5 at Brooklyns Southpaw.
Sept. 6, Mercury Lounge, 217 E. Houston St. (at Ave. A), 212-260-4700; 10:30, $15.