Bradford visionaries New Model Army were routinely questioned after the 2009 release of Today Is A Good Day. Lacking the creativity and inspiration of previous efforts such as The Ghost Of Cain and Thunder And Consolation, the album was a concerning demonstration of an exhausted band running on empty.
Fast forward a mere three and a half years, and the five-piece have returned with the strange yet sporadically fabulous Between Dog And Wolf.
With a resurgence guaranteed by the refreshing influence of new bassist Ceri Monger, the band revisits the deep and soulful atmospheres of yesteryear, and is an exuberant reminder of the relentless passion that defines the post-punk rockers.
Opening with the dubious and somewhat forgettable “Horsemen”, the album is soon redeemed by the exceptional hooks and urgent strings of lead single “March In September”.
With a mix of intricate guitars and pounding drum beats, the album portrays a sense of renewed purpose, and flows periodically between turbulent rhythms and lacklustre melodies.
Offset by the desperate vocals of main composer Justin Sullivan, “Did You Make It Safe?” and “Pull The Sun” are tragic odes that examine the many grievances of society, while “Knievel” and “Stormclouds” are further elegies that showcase the distinctive sonic energies of the band.
Less concise and frustratingly intermittent in comparison to previous efforts, the album spans an almost excessive 14 tracks, and fades cruelly as a result. Nonetheless, Between Dog And Wolf is an enjoyable return that captures the characteristic sounds and ongoing abilities of New Model Army.
