New Model Army

Formed in Bradford, England, in the early 1980s, New Model Army initially emerged from the post-punk wave before broadening their sound toward alternative rock with folk influences and more atmospheric touches. Centered on singer-guitarist Justin Sullivan, the only permanent member, the band often performs as a trio and has gone through numerous lineup changes that mark its different sonic periods. Early albums such as Vengeance (1984) and The Ghost of Cain (1986) establish a direct writing style focused on political, social and intimate lyrics, driven by taut rhythms and cutting guitars. Thunder and Consolation (1989) introduced stronger folk colors, notably through the use of violin, while The Love of Hopeless Causes (1993) and Strange Brotherhood (1998) continued a move toward more melodic forms. In the 21st century, records like Between Dog and Wolf (2013), Winter (2016), From Here (2019) and Unbroken (2024) present a New Model Army committed to a narrative, darker approach, balancing rock energy, almost tribal pulses and slower, moodier textures. Strongly present on independent European and British stages, New Model Army maintains a continuous live activity that accompanies the evolution of their repertoire.