New Model Army

New Model Army’s 'Unbroken', released in January 2024 alongside their 40th anniversary live shows, is a powerful and cohesive album that stays true to the band’s core: tribal rhythms, political engagement, and a sense of collective spirit.

The opener 'First Summer After' reflects on the aftermath of lockdown with striking clarity. Its lyrics stand alone as poetry - sparse, reflective, and evocative of a quiet, unsettling time. Elsewhere, 'Reload' builds from a measured start into something far more urgent, recalling Rage Against the Machine’s charged energy. It’s a standout moment of political frustration made sonic. 'Language', driven by a taut bassline, takes aim at the manipulation of words in public discourse, exploring how extreme rhetoric is used to inflame and divide. It's sharp and understated, but no less forceful.

The most affecting track is 'I Did Nothing Wrong', which addresses the Horizon scandal with restrained poignancy. It avoids sentimentality, letting the injustice speak for itself through calm, unwavering storytelling. Throughout, the album is held together by the band’s signature tribal drumming - a constant rhythmic force that feels both grounding and rallying.

'Unbroken' finds New Model Army recharged and resolute - a band still driven by purpose and the power of their convictions.

Ivan De Mello