Live Review
New Model Army – Astoria, London
Here Comes the War, Get Me Out, No Rest, Purity, Vagabonds and White Coats… Not many stones are left unturned in this return to the Astoria for the final time for New Model Army. The Astoria may soon to become a permanent memory in history – but NMA apparently have some new material appearing in on the horizon in 2009.
There isn’t any strong indication as to the quality of the forthcoming material, or even if it is to have any heavy social or political commentary akin to some of their best work. If tonight’s performance is anything to go by then it could be something special indeed. Justin Sullivan and his band put on a strong show convincing a crowd of varying ages that this almost 30 year strong suite can work a show like no other. Each member managing to keep up and retain heavy rock energy through to the end, and Sullivan has lost none of his vocal talents down the years.
It’s a long show, and although the crowd’s energy almost matches the bands (There’s even a mosh pit centred) there is not too heavy a feel of things past. Said mosh pit doesn’t seem to have much in the way of leather clog/para-boot wearing militia about it. But what is most absent on stage are two artists who have contributed to some of the bands best material. Poet Joolz who has provided spoken backing vocals on a few occasions (as well as designed many a NMA album cover) and electric Violinist Ed Alleyne-Johnson who has also worked on several of the bands best songs. Although neither was officially a member of NMA Alleyne-Johnson’s work is sorely missed when his sound tonight is replaced by keyboard and guitar. Something that lacks serious impact.
But with so many fresh faces at the Astoria, there probably isn’t much they would want to complain about. Sullivan has shown that he could probably keep playing for another 30 years if the notion takes to him.