Credit: Album Cover
New Model Army are ready to rock with their new album Between Wine & Blood. The album consists of two parts; 6 new original tracks, and 11 live tracks from the album Between Dog and Wolf. All live performances have been recorded from the live shows of their current ‘Between Dog and Wolf’ tour.
Between Dog and Wolf was released last year, Between Wine & Blood acts as the bands belated part 2 of to the prior album. For the ‘part 2’ part of their tour was cancelled due to drummer Michael Dean, was diagnosed with blood clots in his leg. During this time away spontaneously and unexpectedly 6 brand new songs were produced, now for a mini studio album to accompany the live tracks.
‘According To You’ has a clear rusty old-school rock theme, with a catchy chorus to chant along to. With a clever usage of voice-over, monologue that offers a seemingly melancholic sentiment of loss of faith. The pace and tone picks up quickly however with tracks such as ‘Angry Planet’, however still sticking with a similar theme of negativity surrounding us, and there being a universal feeling of loss.
However tracks such as ‘Happy To Be Here’ takes a more solitary sound and position on the journey of life. Conveyed beautifully, with added storm music to end a great contemplating track. Similarly ‘Sunrise’ continues this ease of listening, a track that will allow you to relax your mind, whilst still remaining enticed to the music.
All of the live tracks still hold sufficient momentum with their studio versions from Between Dog and Wolf, however (as we do with live tracks) they offer the atmospheric reward that the tour seemed to offer fans. The Intro especially ‘Storm clouds’ rings out the succession of drumming, in cohesion with the raw vocals of Sullivan. The live tracks really emphasizes the talent of the band, sounding on point, no fault. It’s easy to be let down with bands when the studio sound achieves higher than the live performances. However, in this case, the band truly deliver a worthwhile listen.
New Model Army have really enabled fans to have a special experience with this new album. The original new tracks allow some creative venting, as well as new material for fans. But we truly believe adding alongside this the enhanced experience of the latest album live, fans can appreciate the band on two new levels. Not only do we get new music, but we get to witness the band on their current tour, singing their hearts out.
The band commence Between Dog and Wolf, part 2 of the European tour in October, which featured special double set for Between Wine & Blood shows in selected European cities in December.
