The Boxer Rebellion - Artist Review

Formation And Release of 'Exits'
Formed in 2001, The Boxer Rebellion are an 4-piece indie band with members coming from America, Australia and Britain. They were once touted as the band to lead British guitar music out of the Oasis/Radiohead dominated era. Following support slots with Lenny Kravitz at Wembley arena, and a slot on the bill at Glastonbury, the band were signed to Alan McGee's Poptone records in 2003. The band then released they're debut album "Exits" under Poptone. The album was met with rave reviews with John Winters of online music magazine 'Drowned In Sound" saying the albums stand out track 'Watermelon' "captured the urgency the likes of BRMC would kill for". The album was also met with great reviews from the likes of Kerrang! and NME.

'Exits' best track - Watermelon

'Unions'
Following Poptones demise in 2007, the band were left unsigned and continued like this for the release of  'Unions', the bands second studio album. 'Union' enjoyed tremendous commercial success peaking at number 2 in the iTunes alternative charts, second only to Kings Of Leon's 'Only By The Night'. The Boxer Rebellion became the first unsigned band to break into the billboard top 100, coming in at number 82 on a digital only release. This was due to the fact that this album was self funded and they simply could not afford to make physical copies. Tracks from this album appeared on american hit TV show One Tree Hill and featured on the soundtrack for the film Going the Distance. All in all, the bands first self release 'Unions' enjoyed huge musical and commercial success.

'Unions' best track - Spitting Fire

'The Cold Still'
The band decided to remain unsigned for the release of their third studio album, 'The Cold Still'. This album didn't enjoy the same commercial success, or rave reviews as 'Exits' or 'Unions'. However, musically 'The Cold Still' definitely rivals both albums 1 and 2. The album peaked at number 20 on iTunes and featured on the soundtrack for the game Batman: Arkham City. 'The Cold Still' is definitely heavier in parts compared to 'Exits' and 'Unions' and the band have grown similar to the likes of BRMC. They do nonetheless maintain that unique-indie sound throughout and as a result it must be said that the band are growing with the release of every album. Perhaps hard to top 'Unions', however still a tremendous album.

'The Cold Still' best track - Step Out Of The Car

Today's British music scene seems to be crying out for the next Manchester based band to take the reins of the industry like Oasis did. However, with no band in sight, The Boxer Rebellion may be what the industry needs to kick start the heart British indie music.