ALBUM REVIEWS

The Boxer Rebellion UNION HMV PARTNERSHIP 14.9.09 @www.vanguard-online.co.uk There’s been a lot of coverage about this band in recent weeks, with Union being the first album to ever be financed by HMV in a deal that sees the band remain unsigned while receiving nationwide distribution of their work. So did HMV make a good investment? Well, if sounding like a calm combination of The Verve and Idlewild is a good investment, then they’re on the right path! Union is an odd album in that it entices you in, hands you a mug of cocoa and some slippers and gets rid of your tension without leaving any trace of having done so. After a few listens, I still can’t hum a single track, but I remember that I enjoyed the experience of listening to them all. The general feel of The Boxer Rebellion is one of acoustic guitars being led by sharp drumming, over dreamy, thoughtful vocals. You’re unlikely to sing along to anything you find here, but you might just find that you don’t care about that. This is the epitome of guitar-based Indie, with no pop, punk or rock influences. It’s a stripped-back sound for those times when you need to stop thinking about anything that’s troubling you, and escape to your happy place. Simon Middleyard www.theboxerrebellion.com Email Links & Comments to the editor Check the latest album releases