New Model Army was first formed in 1980 by its lead singer Justin Sullivan, bassist Stuart Morrow and drummer Phil Tompkins. However, a few months laters Tompkins left the band and was replaced by Robert Charles Heaton. The band released their first album entitled “Vengeance” in 1984, and it went to number 1 on the UK Indie Chart. During the mid 80s the band ran into some trouble with visas to tour the United States, however once everything was cleared up, the band successfully played their shows in the United States.
They released their second album, “No Rest For The Wicked” in 1985 followed by constant touring. Between 1986 and 1998 they continued to put out five more albums. Additionally, some members came and went, and went off to play with other bands, such as Stuart Morrow playing with the band Loud, as well as sometimes touring as 'Justin Sullivan and Friends', which had a more acoustic set without some players. After a short tour at the end of 2004, the group returned to the studio to record their ninth studio album, “Carnival” which was subsequently released the following year. Additionally, their label, EMI, has released four remastered earlier albums. In 2014 they released “Between Wine and Blood” which features as both a studio album doubled with a live album.
I don’t think there is anything I can say that will do New Model Army the kind justice they deserve but here goes. The post-punk/alternative band formed way back in 1980 by Justin Sullivan the singer and composer as well as bassist Stuart Morrow and drummer Phil Tompkins. Interestingly New Model Army derive their name from Oliver Cromwell’s English Revolutionary Army.
The wonderful charisma of Justin on stage and the warm and comforting northern accent he uses, he seems to build a rapport and a trust with the audience immediately, like we’re all in on something big, like on the verge of revolution. And his lyrics and views are as socially conscious as any, the band was refused entry in to the U.S. for apparently having no artistic merit, however their anti-U.S. imperialist views might have had something to do with it. But they sure stand up for what they believe, and songs like 51st State, which had everyone singing at the top of their lungs around has given the band a kind of cult status.
I could not wait to hear the song Vagabonds, yes it’s their most well known and arguably most popular but there’s a reason for that, it’s because its so unbelievably amazing, the violin makes me tingle every time in places I didn't know existed. I’d have loved to see them in their heyday but seeing them recently was still a awfully good decision.
nicky-preston
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