New Model Army

New Model Army remain one of the great British institutions still worthy of admiration and respect. In a time when many stalwarts — the Conservative Party, Labour Party, clean water, even the BBC, it seems — appear to be crumbling, NMA continue to stand proud and firm. Tonight, at the Legend Club in Milan, midway through their previously postponed European tour promoting last year’s excellent Unbroken — their 16th studio album, no less — Italian fans had the opportunity to be anointed.

Formed in Bradford, the band has always been Justin Sullivan’s creation — his enduring vision, shaped for sure by an ever-changing lineup and a range of producers including Glyn Johns and Tom Dowd, has held its steady gaze thanks to Justin’s careful direction. His lyrics remain among the most thoughtful and relevant in modern rock, weaving political, naturalistic, social, and spiritual themes that resonate now more than ever. It might not be poetry to some but whatever, his words (lyrics) deserve to be collected and preserved, to be found in libraries and on bookshelves, they help to give meaning to life.

Musically, every album delivers many a gem and any NMA fan could easily craft multiple 20-song setlists and be equally satisfied each time.

NMA fans are famously loyal — devoted, passionate, and deeply committed. That devotion was plain to see tonight as people mingled, openly sharing stories of past gigs, many having travelled long distances just to witness the band’s first Italian concert in 20 years. There were plenty of Italians too, hailing from all over the country to take part in this rare occasion.

The members of New Model Army:
• Justin Sullivan – Vocals, guitar
• Dean White – Keyboards, guitar
• Michael Dean – Drums
• Ceri Monger – Bass

This feels like a settled, confident lineup, standing steadfast with Justin in what seems an almost duty-bound allegiance to give their best. Sullivan himself looked fresh-faced and youthful, his intense gaze sweeping the crowd, singing with clarity and power — a frontman still utterly on top of his game.

Fans described the setlist as superb — stretching from early classics like No Rest and Better Than Them from 1985’s No Rest for the Wicked to the new album Unbroken, featuring Coming or Going and the excellent First Summer After. Every song was sung back word-for-word by the crowd, a shared act of devotion. Highlights for me included a rousing performance of the prophetic Christian Militia; the back-to-back frenzy of Vagabonds and The Hunt; a brilliant 51st State; and the majestic majesty of Winter — I doubt a song written in the last 10 years in indie rock has a better lyric and musical arrangement/form.

The encores began with a rare request — Bad Old World — followed by Lust for Power and the wonderful Green and Grey from Thunder and Consolation, the album that was indeed my own introduction to NMA.

As Justin Sullivan thanked the crowd — without fanfare or forced dramatics — it was clear this is something special. After having been to see artists of late, pleasurable shows for sure but rather uninspired I felt, (let’s say to quote Derek Smalls, “lukewarm water”), this was pure fire and ice.

The night ended with smiling fans taking group pictures against the stage backdrop — a rare sight — and that sense of warmth and unity lingered as many shared a final drink before heading out into the cold but dry Milan night, bound for homes, hotels, and flights.

New Model Army continue their European tour through the winter, returning to England before Christmas with shows including Nottingham and a long-awaited homecoming in Bradford on December 13th. Check the tour dates and, if you haven’t already, sign up to this army— NMA are still one of the most vital and inspiring bands you’ll ever see.

Set list:
* Snelsmore Wood
* Better Than Them
* Christian Militia
* Echo November
* First Summer After
* Winter
* Never Arriving
* No Rest
* White Light
* Coming or Going
* Here Comes the War
* Before I Get Old
* Vagabonds
* The Hunt
* Purity
* Angry Planet
* 51st State
* 225

Encore
* Bad Old World
* Lust for Power
* Green and Grey