"Between Dog and Wolf" is the twelfth studio album by British rock band, New Model Army. It was released on September 20th, 2013, and has been lauded as one of their best albums in a career spanning multiple decades. The album gained its title from a French phrase, which essentially refers to twilight - the vague, roaming boundary between day and night - metaphorically captured to represent the blurry zones of distinction between order and chaos, light and dark.
Led by singer/guitarist Justin Sullivan who formed the band in Bradford, England in 1980, New Model Army embraced a broad sonic palette for "Between Dog and Wolf," showcasing a diversity in their soundscape that includes hard rock, folk, punk, and even electronica. The album's extensive features heavy rhythms, layered arrangements and plenty of harmonies, creating a dense, atmospheric and often anthemic soundscape.
As for the lyrical content, Sullivan, ever the literate lyricist, weaves stories about political and social injustice, love, loss, and personal introspection. The most popular tracks from the album include "March in September" and "Did You Make It Safe."
The album was well-received by critics for its exploratory and innovative sound, representing a daring departure from their previous work. Following its release, "Between Dog and Wolf" became New Model Army's highest charting album in over 20 years, not only reflecting the band's enduring relevance in the music scene, but also demonstrating that creativity and interest in their work were still very much alive. It indeed marked a fantastic moment in the band's career, blending their revolutionary spirit and willingness to experiment, with their inherent talent for engaging storytelling and melody-making.
