By Frank Deserto

A silky smell of sweat and fresh beer was ever present during New Model Army's final US gig at the Mercury Lounge Friday night. Many folks traveled from faraway places to see the band wrap up a long-delayed North American tour, packing the otherwise small venue to the brim.

The politically conscious British band more than made up for last year's postponed dates (due to visa complications) with a blistering set, which combined several newer cuts from 2007's High with classic numbers such as 'Here Comes the War,' 'No Rest,' and 'The Hunt.' Though some songs were more subtle, building affairs, the energy remained intact for the entire duration of the show. While the five piece band played ever-so-tightly, vocalist Justin Sullivan grabbed for a new guitar between each song, changing textures and constantly upping the ante of their intense, folky post-punk.

Meanwhile, the majority of the crowd, sporting ancient tour t-shirts and scuffed combat boots, shouted each forceful chorus back toward the stage, often culminating in a fist-pumping mosh pit. However, unlike the majority that I've been privy to, this pit was far more respectful and genuine; a passionate crowd of devout and respectful fans as opposed to the usual gaggle of mean spirited poseurs out for a taste of blood. To be fair, your humble narrator stood far from harm on a bench to the side, but instead of relaxing in the comforts of safety, I desperately yearned to be thrashing among the masses. I settled for singing along and pumping my clenched fists from afar, which may have ruffled the feathers of a few neighbors. My apologies, if you're reading this...

As the clock struck one, the band launched into their final song of the night, but just before it began they cracked wise about not returning until George W. Bush’s reign of terror was a distant memory. Though the comment caused a tremendous burst of applause from the crowd, it merely saddened me, for these boys will be incredibly missed during their absence.

New Model Army @ LimeWire Store