New Model Army,Goldblade Live Review @ Academy [1, 2, 3 and Club Academy] (Manchester) - 16 Dec 2004

New Model Army,Goldblade Live Review @ Academy [1, 2, 3 and Club Academy] (Manchester) - 16 Dec 2004

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Live Review

Do You Believe In Rock And Roll?

Goldblade certainly did as they descended upon their hometown in support of marathon new wave/punksters New Model Army.

The sparse academy one came to life as the band treated us to their ska punk flavoured rock and roll with relentless spirit and euphoric loud riffs. The music was the most rock and roll influence tonight, as in true punk spirit John Robb and the gang ignored all clichés of sex, drugs, and rock and roll, pouring their passion into the music and on stage fun.

Leading the fun, If that wasn't enough, was Robb's lively and cheeky front man demeanour, which could only add to the party atmosphere, as with a cheeky glint in his eye, he bantered and flirted with the front row, repeatedly jumping down to be closer to them near the barrier.

Not ones to miss out, and finding it hard to resist the infectious ska-punk enthusiasm of "Who Was The Killa," new single "Psycho" and "Black Elvis," the rest of the crowd took solace in dancing enthusiastically or looking on in awe, as the energy and rock and roll flowed.

The fact that New Model Army are obviously still reeling from the recent death of their influential drummer and songwriter Robert Heaton meant that lead singer Justin Sullivan, threw himself into the poignant indie/punk opener 'Family' with heart, vigour and a sense of release that immediately touched the crowd. What followed was a lively and endearing display of music that skirted the country, indie, new wave and traditional punk genres with aplomb. A break from the vibrancy was provided with a foray into Justin's solo material; 'Ocean Rising' and with its soothing, laid back feel washed away any anger and resentment as a moment of tranquility descended upon the venue.

The Army as they are affectionately known at times, used Manchester as a battleground in their war against well war, actually! Also, they promoted the laudable aim of peace and continue to chip away at the walls of ignorance that obscure the light of knowledge. The piercingly poignant lyrics and message was fired with precision at enthralled onlookers, as the heartfelt words saw some of the most dye in the wool punks holding back the tears;

"Blow out the candle and tell usanother of those great stories...the ones about serial killers...let dreams flow into savage times."

Tonight, NMA gave a lesson to the "industry" and modern bands that the key to survival is diversity, so in conclusion; hail to the army and their diversity!

Katherine Tomlinson

Gigs

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