Northern LIGHTS

All this in Bradford, a large city in Yorkshire with, on the face of it, absolutely nothing to offer the traveller in the way of `alternative` culture.

On the bus travelling to where most of Bradford's cultural types reside,we were pestered by passengers who all knew that we were travelling to the home of `That pink haired lady` (Joolz) and `That funny fellow in a band`.

The funny fellow is Slade The Leveller, vocalist and guitarist in New Model Army, who storms into the room. A new single and a tour, spirits are high!

Scorn is poured over the dodgy music scene, Slade explaining that N>M>A> are `No gimmicks, no pre-put on image` and that the band all shelter beneath very different haircuts and this is ture, dear reader.

The combo have a lot to say lyrically, `but not in ignorant `All coppers Are Bastards` style` corrects Slade. Their set even includes... gasp... love songs. What! In theses cynical times?

No time for the fanciful, the band stress that they `say what we mean!` That's the thing about the Army. Guts and determination abound. They know you'll find out. Enjoying debate and confrontation they stand by their opinions.

The following they have picked up recently come from all tribes. They are a band separated from fashion but personally I think the Sex bat ding Cave audiences go for them the mostest. Interestingly enough in this post youth cult ear several bands are beginning to appeal across the board. People are looking for something and that something is stirring somewhere. (Er...Ed)

`Tim Parry is wally,` comes a cry, jolting me back to reality. This man is held responsible for the near cock up of their new single, `Great Expectations`, the band rescuing their effort at the last moment in downtown London with a swift re-mix before release on the recently exciting Abstract label.

Their stance, their flag etc, their manifesto is `Strength, Power, Honesty and Integrity` which does sound a mite dodgy, I thought, but my ideas were quelled as talk turned to anti-nationalism and anger at the false patriotism drummed up by the Falklands Fortnight. Even that old horse CND was mentioned, the band preferring a line of more direct action. (A few years ago would have achieved more.) I believe it's never too late.

I leave New Model Army on the road to acclaim that not only do they deserve but one day will achieve because they WANT it that way. No-one will prevent them from doing what they love.