The Boxer Rebellion - Union

Band Members
Nathan Nicholson - Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Todd Howe - Lead Guitar
Adam Harrison - Bass
Piers Hewitt - Drums

TheBoxerRebellion.net
Myspace.com/TheBoxerRebellion



Tracklisting
1. Flashing Red Light Means Go
2. Move On
3. Evacuate
4. Soviets
5. Spitting Fire
6. Misplaced
7. The Gospel Of Goro Adachi
8. These Walls Are Thin
9. Forces
10. Semi-Automatic
11. Silent Movie
12. Broken Glass [Bonus Track]


The Boxers Rebellion’s sophomore album, Union has an over all light and ethereal feel to it. The songs seem to glitter along, with the help of a distinct, ever present drum beat, atmospheric guitar riffs and gentle vocals. Lead singer Nathan Nicholson coos along to each song with a tender voice and even more tender song lyrics.

Having not heard The Boxer Rebellion before, I was not sure what to expect, and was pleasantly surprised as the first track on the album, Flashing Red Light Means Go began playing. The album is made up of mellow songs, with earnest lyrics and soothing vocals. It is an easy album to listen to, as well as an enjoyable one. The band have created a very atmospheric sound here, and seem to have a bright future in front of them.

Unlike a lot of bands attempting to fit into the Indie-Rock genre, The Boxer Rebellion do so successfully, managing to avoid any cliché sounds and cliché lyrics along the way. They posses an interesting sound and defiantly have something to deliver to the music world. The album is pleasant, ethereal and mellow, its nothing ground breaking or earth shattering, but that doesn’t go to say that the band won’t deliver this in the future. The songs on Union are gently crafted and obviously well thought out. Each song fits into the over-all feel of this album, setting a mood for the next song that follows.

Reading around, I have found that opinions on Union, and on the Boxer Rebellion in general, are divided. A few have stated that the album is typical and not worth listening to, whereas others have found satisfaction in the Boxer Rebellions guitar riffs and melodies that can only be referred to as beautiful. I find myself liking the band more and more as each new song begins playing. The Boxer Rebellion have created a truly good album and play their atmospheric and maybe even somewhat whimsical music well, very well.


Review by Kirstie Millar


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