Album Review
The Boxer Rebellion – UnionThe Boxer Rebellion – Union

This album has epic potential. And what I mean by this, is that it could be performed at Wembley Stadium in front of eighty-thousand people and go down a storm. Providing everyone knew the words of course. But you know, some albums just have this sound and vibe about them that screams for a huge gig, and some don't. But this does.

Imagine if Keane weren't so commercial chart pop success and a bit more rock with something to prove. And there you have The Boxer Rebellion, who have written, performed and produced the entire album. That's quite an achievement, given its 'epic potential.' Hats off.

“Flashing Red Light Means Go” opens the album with a pacey drum-intro, building into a melodic near-perfect verse, all culminating in a beautiful whirlpool of guitar effects and breathy high-pitched vocal. It really is a gem of a song, but the wonderment doesn't end there! Oh no, there are ten more tracks to get through, not that it should sound like a chore. Where this early track drawns slightly on the genius of bands such as Radiohead, other tracks like the upbeat “Evacuate” is much more Strokes. Although it's almost a one off, this isn't an indie-driven record. It's very much alternative rock, and altermative rock at its best. “These Walls Are Thin” is a bit Fray (but better than they could ever dream of,) and some tracks just ooze Coldplay's Parachutes album.

Basically, this is a masterpiece album. So many great sounds from the past ten years captured and rolled into one beautiful compilation.

5/5

Review by Thom
 Band Members
The Boxer Rebellion - Band
Nathan Nicholson (Vocals, Rhythm Guitar)
Todd Howe (Lead Guitar)
Adam Harrison (Bass)
Piers Hewitt (Drums)
 Track Listing
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)
 Band Related Links
The Boxer Rebellion Myspace
 Review Score Code
- Top Cheese
- Brilliant
- Pretty damn good
- Ok I guess
- What Was That?