Sofia - 24.04.2009 - FINALLY :))

[8]

WHOAAA...


NEW MODEL ARMY - Sofia setlist, 24.04.2009
 
01.  Here Comes the War
02.  Stupid Questions
03.  Island
04.  No Mirror, No Shadow
05.  Today Is a Good Day
06.  High
07.  The Hunt
08.  Get Me Out
09.  Autumn
10.  Ocean Rising
11.  Purity
12.  One of the Chosen
13.  Vagabonds
14.  No Rest
15.  Wired
16.  Wonderful Way to Go
---
17.  51st State
18.  Green and Grey
19.  I Love the World

i love what i see, love what i see.  :')  i could be having the sh!ttiest of days, & seeing one of these, just seeing one of these lists, alone, can magically brighten up my day again.  so much beauty, from something so small.  :')

I'll post some photos later.

favourites from the set..

  ~  JS  ~  N  ~  DW  ~  MD  ~  MG  ~


marti, manimal, thanks for taking the time to share all of this with those of us who weren't there.    to those of you that'll be in attendance on the 9th, have a blast & hope someone remembers to race back here & tell the rest of us all about it. 

youtube clip.. from a friend..   NMA  -  Autumn  -  24.04.2009

i am so loving this one right now!     can hardly wait for the new record!!     

[hendy]

Thanks Mani, for being the best Sofia guide ever! Marti's pictures look great, tell her we will be eagerly awaiting her translation of the gig review. It was great to see the lead singer of the support band sing a song that he covers with the original band.

Hope you all get to catch up on your sleep and maybe a little detox after what was a fairly drunken few days.

Cheers

jc

Hey Jack, it's Marti
I will translate the review as soon as I can and I'll post it here

I had a great time at the concert and afterward with you, guys

and I'm happy that you like my photos

seeya around

[manimal]

Thanks Mani, for being the best Sofia guide ever! Marti's pictures look great, tell her we will be eagerly awaiting her translation of the gig review. It was great to see the lead singer of the support band sing a song that he covers with the original band.

Hope you all get to catch up on your sleep and maybe a little detox after what was a fairly drunken few days.

Cheers

jc

Hey Jack, it's Marti
I will translate the review as soon as I can and I'll post it here

I had a great time at the concert and afterward with you, guys

and I'm happy that you like my photos

seeya around

Hola, Marti!

Hugs for the beauty of steel!



@8

AUTUMN is just a fantastic song and the lines of the chorus - everything is beautiful, because everything is dying... - just great! Love i too!
Thank you, mate!


Tried to describe how I felt it and it is not very easy )) But if you are interested in my scrabled thoughts - HERE they are

CheerS!

[manimal]

And some more GREAT PHOTOS OF THE CONCERT made by DER CIRCLE's photograph Tihomir Rachev!

Most interesting for me were the ones made from the stage, looking at the people, cause it gave the band's perspective to the audience. I think I spotted Jack on one of them. )

[speedy]

Hey Manimal

Just a short note to say many thanks for you most exceptional hospitality and ensuring that our visit to your fine city was a thoroughly enjoyable one. This despite having to share an apartment with the Brothers Guff on their European Tour of Bottom Chemical Destruction. Apparently they are currently being held in quarantine at the border and will only be released prior to the Istanbul gig - we apologise in advance to those present at that gig to unleash these two thong wearing, perfume challenged denizens upon you. Please do not light naked flames in their general vicinity for fear of explosions.

I think we all left Sofia with a great impression of your city and all the wonderful people that we were fortunate to meet. Judging by the smiles on people's faces as they departed the venue after the gig it was a great night for us all.

It is true, NMA gigs are orgasmic. I met the girl in question.

Many great thanks and all the best

Speedy

[manimal]

Hey Manimal

Just a short note to say many thanks for you most exceptional hospitality and ensuring that our visit to your fine city was a thoroughly enjoyable one. This despite having to share an apartment with the Brothers Guff on their European Tour of Bottom Chemical Destruction. Apparently they are currently being held in quarantine at the border and will only be released prior to the Istanbul gig - we apologise in advance to those present at that gig to unleash these two thong wearing, perfume challenged denizens upon you. Please do not light naked flames in their general vicinity for fear of explosions.

I think we all left Sofia with a great impression of your city and all the wonderful people that we were fortunate to meet. Judging by the smiles on people's faces as they departed the venue after the gig it was a great night for us all.

It is true, NMA gigs are orgasmic. I met the girl in question.

Many great thanks and all the best

Speedy

Hahahahahaha Speedy, are you telling me that they both had some troubles getting back??? Hope this was a joke... And yes, a particular guy was a Walking Weapon of Gas Destruction, but I wouldn't mind it at all, cause having him around is great, even if this is not that good for the ozone layer! ))

It was great meeting you, Speedy, and you know you've got a friend here, whenever you pass through the Balkans again.
And Berbatov scored the fifth one, yeaaaah!!!!

Manchesteeeeeeeeeer, Manchesteeeeeeeeeeeeer, Manchesteer Uniteeed!!!


Here are my VAGABOND PHOTOS

And do you remember the Riders of the Big Pussy??? )))



Hope to see you soon, mate! Sharing this experience with you was unbelievable!

CheerZ!

[jc]

Did you see the worried expression of the lion at being in so close proximity to the Brothers Guff.

Cheers

jc

[hendy]

Ok, here is the translation I promised to Jack
sorry for any mistakes I might have made during the translation

the report is written by Anastas Punev, http://www.pro-rock.net/cgi-bin/index.pl?o=0&_state=CommentsView&news=3116

The heirs of the world with a show in Sofia: New Model Army


In one of their strongest songs New Model Army give a perfect description of the people who have the honor to call themselves their fans:

How we all dance with this fire 'cause it's all that we know
And as the spotlight turns toward us, we all try our best to show
We are lost we are freaks, we are crippled, we are weak
We are the heirs, we are the true heirs, to all the world

And in truth, we, the “family” are different from the rest, but often we are the ones called upon to change the world. The members of the NMA are like that too. You only need one look at the face of Justin Sullivan and you can read the fate of one of the most unique bands in the world. Unique is not a cliché in this case, if you don’t believe me, just ask ten people what’s the exact genre that NMA falls into and you’ll get ten different answers. This is a band that has been repulsed by the mainstream, repulsed by the media and even repulsed by the US authorities, who refused to give them visas for their 2007 tour. But ain’t all this just a confirmation for the magic that NMA has had for the past nearly 30 years? The same magic is what brought around 400 honest and die-hard fans (100% of the people attending) to the unexpected first NMA concert in Bulgaria. Salutations to Der Circle promotion company, which choose to invite such an extraordinary for the Bulgarian fans band, in a moment when it’s not even on tour.

The concert was on Friday so we should not count the slight delay as a negative sign. The hour is 21.00 and the new-formed Bulgarian supporting band Bastardolomey made its debut in front of the audience. It is composed of members of other bands such as Ebanizm and Pyromania, and the frontman is the famous Nufri (Panican Whyasker, R.O.B.T.F.). As every project with Nufri in it, this one too sounded modern, original and different from everything else he had ever done. I was surprised of what I heard – 40 minutes harsh vocals from his side, while the others played heavy rock, mixed with a large portion of riffs. At times they lacked melody in the choruses, which could give more identity to their songs, but the audience liked them nevertheless. We heard and two cover versions – of Prong and White Zombie, which could give you an impression of the approximate style Bastardolomey are playing.

At 22.30 the long wait was over and NMA started with a bang – Here Comes the War. It was like they wanted to see how prepared we were for the show, they wanted to take us by surprise. The fans were quick to react and formed a pogo, which grew stronger as the concert progressed. I was a bit surprised at this reaction, because nothing in the wise lyrics of Justin Sullivan can make me even think of making pogo, but I guess it was their choice of having fun. NMA were communicating with the audience and introduced some of the songs, but even when they didn’t, their attitude was evident. Obviously, this was a new destination for them and they had to convince us. The audience, in return, looked like they were ready to kill for them, there were even some madcap fans from England and Germany who follow the band all over the world and who have attended 300-400 shows!

The sounds wasn’t crystal clear, but I don’t think that this could be a problem for such concert. The main drawbacks were that we couldn’t hear a note from the keyboardist Dean White, and that the bass was too strong at times, even for a band with such a characteristic rhythm section. The setlist too could have been better, in my opinion. I don’t think that the slower and more acoustic songs Ocean Rising and Purity were in place, given that five minutes ago you have been burning during Stupid Questions, for example. I really missed songs like Ballad of Bodmin Pill, My Country, Frightened, Fate, and something from the legendary first album Vengeance, which is also a fan-favorite and the fans were screaming for it before the encore. But this are just minor complains. We should praise NMA firstly because they took into consideration the fact that it was the first time they are in front of our audience and they played a lot of old classics. Secondly, the synchronization and co-ordination between the band members were exceptional and their ability to interpret their own work led to the highlight of the evening – the longer version of No Rest which started with an intro by the guitarist Marshal Gill, continued with amazing improvisations and just before the final blast, Justin went silent for a moment and just with an expression of his face he delivered the whole message of this legendary NMA song – that every banality should be drown in the sweat of enthusiasm and euphoria. Finally, it was amazing how the songs from the last album – High, and the two brand new songs fell in place right next to the classics, even though that it is too early to give a final judgment about them. This proves once again the fact that NMA are making no compromises with their work even after three decades of writing music. That’s exactly why we will continue to eagerly await every new song that comes from their side. NMA have every right to call themselves independent, as they have always been alienated from the trends in music. Besides, the world problems are still here, as they were 30 years ago, so Justin Sullivan will never run out of inspiration.

The concert was over and it was time for the encore. For the 51st State Justin invited Nufri, the vocalist of Bastardolomey (they usually do a cover-version of it), who was more than happy to join NMA, even just for one song. The ballad Green and Grey stopped the pogo for the first time and there were even some firelighters up in the air. The end came with the classic I Love the World and the fans were left alone, tired and with that special look in their eyes. For the members of NMA this concert was a chance to visit a new country and meet new members of the Army. For us it was an unexpected gift and a chance to praise the true heirs of the world. It was a double win situation.

[8]

Tried to describe how I felt it and it is not very easy ))  But if you are interested in my scrabled thoughts - HERE they are

very nice read, thanks for sharing that.

AUTUMN is just a fantastic song and the lines of the chorus -
'everything is beautiful, because everything is dying'...
- just great!  Love i too!

ah, but even then, as Cave's sung in one of his.. 'just remember, that death is not the end'  &  Johnson in one of his.. 'when everything that dies, shall rise'.   more sleep than death really, but exquisitely beautiful nonetheless.    i love it!  love it!  LOVE it!  hope there are a few other songs, on the new record, of a similar, melancholic vein.. you know, to contrast & balance the thing off.  SO excited, can't wait! 

The setlist too could have been better, in my opinion.  I don’t think that the slower and more acoustic songs Ocean Rising and Purity were in place, given that five minutes ago you have been burning during Stupid Questions, for example.

thank you marti for going out of your way to translate that for us, much appreciated.    i personally don't see any flaws / faults with the songs chosen for the Sofia set.  i think it's well-rounded, balanced & pretty much sums up the diversity one can expect from our beloved Army.  i especially disagree with the reviewer's comments about 'Ocean Rising' & 'Purity' being out of place, we need the more acoustic / slower tunes tossed in there for good measure, for break / cooling off purposes, but moreso, to better represent the musical diversity & remarkable, emotional capacity of this tremendous band. 

it's not always 'ATTACK!  ATTACK!  ATTACK!'  with New Model Army, & that's one of the things onlookers (people who know little about NMA, their music, etc.) should keep well in mind, & one of the things i adore most about them, their repertoire.  they're not always in your face, they're in your arms too, at times, so to speak.  i fcukin' love that.  :')  i need that kind of contrast in the music i listen to or go see live.  it sacredly, beautifully, reflects their humanity, humanness.

i personally believe that that human quality (among others) has given NMA & their repertoire, freshness, longevity, (emotional, spiritual) worth / value, currency (as in keeps them current, relatable on a personal level, connects with their audience & bridges that gap with them).  it too, has effectively, in a way almost secretly, had a hand in keeping NMA & their music safely guarded from being pigeonholed, classified, categorised.. not bad at all, not bad at all. 

besides all that, i'd rather the band play / sing to me, us, what THEY feel in their hearts, in that given moment, to play / sing, rather than what i want.  sure, i might be going into a gig hoping for a specific song (& there is one, but i'll never say which one, it'll mean so much more to me if it's ever played & i'm there to take it in, soak it up) but if they don't play it, it doesn't bother me so much.    i'm a lifer, as in i've loved NMA's words & music for so long now that to think i won't be at some point is quite simply ridiculous.  this year marks 20 years of love for this band, & it just keeps growing stronger with every new record.

i would've never thought it possible, but i love them more today, than i ever have.  the music alone, has gone deeper into me than i ever thought possible, than i could have ever dreamed possible & that is the most beautiful gift, most precious, meaningful surprise i could ever have hoped for.  :')  whatever might happen, i'll always love them.  :')

and as for any longed for song(s), NMA have never stopped touring, playing live.. so there is always the chance, that hope, of finding oneself being ecstatically surprised by hearing it played live at some point.  somewhere, someday, something extra special to look forward to.  'til then, as he's been known to say . . .

'keep the faith' . . . 

[jc]

Thanks for the excellent translation Marti and so prompt too!

Welcome the Family and hope to see you at future gigs.

Cheers

jc

[jc]

Mani,

thanks for sharing your 'scrambled thoughts' the emotion, excitement, and enthusiasm really comes across and strikes a chord.

Thanks again for sharing and we really hope to have the opportunity to return your kind hospitality in the future.

Cheers

jc

[manimal]

i personally don't see any flaws / faults with the songs chosen for the Sofia set.  i think it's well-rounded, balanced & pretty much sums up the diversity one can expect from our beloved Army.  i especially disagree with the reviewer's comments about 'Ocean Rising' & 'Purity' being out of place, ....

My thoughts exactly - and actually I said pretty much the same, when exchanged msg with the author in last.fm.
Anastas is a great fan of the band and he answered me that he was only stating his subjective opinion and he can't imagine not being subjective about such a personal band for him as NMA.
And of course, he got a point there.
Although I don't wanna dive into the big debate if a reviewer should me more subjectively or objectiveli inclined. Its his right after all.

My disagreement was initially caused by his opinion about how inappropriate was moshpitting and pogoing at a NMA gig. ) But it is again his opinion and he has the right to have it.

However the review is excellent. Thanks, Marti!
Got an orange juice from me (cause I know you don't drink)!

[hendy]

Thanks for the excellent translation Marti and so prompt too!

Welcome the Family and hope to see you at future gigs.

Cheers

jc

thank you marti for going out of your way to translate that for us, much appreciated.    i personally don't see any flaws / faults with the songs chosen for the Sofia set.  i think it's well-rounded, balanced & pretty much sums up the diversity one can expect from our beloved Army.

you are welcome

[marty.d]

What can I say but........FANTASTIC !
Many thanks to Mani for his hospitality and making our stay in Sofia so very memorable. Also thanks to the guys who I had the pleasure of sharing company with during our stay.
I will for sure be returning to Sofia, hopefully in the not to distant future, to again experience the warm friendy vibe the city gives.

Mani,..... see you again in a couple of weeks in Istanbul.

Marty.d

[manimal]

Mani,..... see you again in a couple of weeks in Istanbul.

Marty.d

MartyMan! CheerZ!
You are more than welcome to come back to Sofia, whenever you like! )

See you very soon, mate, and we'll continue with the beers from where we ended in the pizzeria )


There was a guy, quite drunk, over there in the pizzeria on the table across ours and today he sent me some of his photos! Shit, I knew he was good with camera, but never thought he was THAT good:





His photos are HERE or if you prefer last.fm - HERE

I've seen a lot of photos from the gig last few days and I dare say these are probably the best (not cause he is a friend of mine).