Thurs. April 17

New Model Army are at the T.T. the Bear's Thursday April 17  suporting their 10th studio disc, with the Perennials and the Information opening. Wow. Now, there was a time, back in the mid-'80s, when I simply thought Britain's New Model Army came too late to the punk party. In hindsight, I'd say I'm glad they made it at all.

Fervently leftist and anti-Thatcher, they mixed their agitprop assaults with a punk/folk blend that (at its worst) recalled the Alarm and (at its best) the Clash. Unquestionably, "51st State" is a classic angry fist-waver, about the UK being turned into our country's 51st state - a sentiment that seems as appropriate then as now. NMA, led by singer-guitarist Justin Sullivan (no relation), proved a resilient vehicle and has soldiered on all these years, though their presence in the US has always been relatively small. But dammit, they're still at it - they meaning Justin and I'm not sure who else. I know drummer Heaton is dead.  Tickets: $12,

10 Brookline St., Cambridge, 617-492-0082 www.ttthebears.com