New Model Army // The Waterfront, 27.04.2014
The old dogs teach the young pups a lesson.
Tonight, I shall be seeing one of my all-time favourite bands for the first time in over twenty years. Expectations are high. Unfortunately, things start a little limply.
The Simple Tone are a goth/nu-metal hybrid, reminding me of the Nephilim, Paradise Lost and Soundgarden. There is nothing fundamentally wrong with the playing but songs like 'Love Street' or 'Black Box' just don’t hit the spot and this did nowt for me. (2/10)
I first saw New Model Army 27 (!) years ago. Since then I’ve been an avid fan but haven’t seen 'em live since a charity gig in Bradford in '92. My fears that the years would diminish them are unfounded. Justin Sullivan is passionate and intense but is more humorous than in years gone by. Despite stand-in drummer Andy Woodard filling in for the crocked Michael Dean, the band is as tight as ever. From the intro tape of 'Vagabonds', played in a folk style to closer 'Green & Grey', this was a masterclass in great songs, played well, with soul and passion, mixing the hits with new songs and obscure old B sides. Simply superb. (9.5/10)
Pavlis
