The Cold Still

The Boxer Rebellion, an outstanding alternative band

The outstanding alternative band The Boxer Rebellion’s international line-up is only one of its peculiarities. It al began when vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist Nathan Nicholson moved to London from his native Tennessee after his mother’s death and decided to find musicians to create a band. He got acquainted with Australia-born guitarist Todd Howe in the Internet, then the musicians met drummer Pierce Hewitt. Bassist Adam Harrison was the last one to join the band who went to London Music School with Hewitt. The quartet released its debut album Exits in May 2005; it was the first and the last one on the label Poptones as it ceased to exist only a fortnight after the release. Nevertheless The Boxer Rebellion got the fans’ attention, and their number grew with the release of the sophomore effort Union is January 2009. Because of the small amount of physical copies the album did not enter the UK chart but became one of the most popular among the Internet users. If the situation does not change the same destiny is expecting the third record The Cold Still, even more impressive and recorded with the participation of the renowned producer Ethan Jones (Kings Of Leon, Tom Jones, Crowded House).

A more mainstream oriented tracks’ sounding on the Cold Still

Everyone who values good melodies, sincere lyrics, beautiful guitar sounding, volume drums and nice vocals of a wide range will find a favorite song on The Cold Still. It is quite a short album consisting of ten tracks lasting a bit less than forty minutes all in all, which is a great result and a complete full-length recording of a team who sponsors its works almost independently. A more mainstream oriented tracks’ sounding is the result of the producer’s contribution, and the members’ matched playing is the sign of their love of the music they make. The record opens with the song No Harm, built on a splendid harmony of rolling on drums, piano chords and drawling vocals. A more up-tempo composition Step Out Of The Car, the album’s lead-single, will be great played on stage, it is even danceable, and Locked In The Basement opens with an amazing high note in the vocals and turns into a beautiful sophisticated song full of sadness and reflection on life. Drums gain momentum once again on the number Cause For Alarm with a bit dreamy atmosphere, and the marvelous combination of acoustic electro guitar, keyboards and gentle vocals make the ballad Caught By The Light one of the album’s highlights. An organ refines the vigorous track simply called Organ Song, and guitars and backing vocals reign on Memo, another song perfect for being played on stage. The energetic thing The Runner will also be essential on any live performance, and the album closer is another acoustic ballad Doubt with a very beautiful unusual tune, smart lyrics and a penetrating distorted solo at the end.

Drawing major labels’ attention

Musically the quartet The Boxer Rebellion’s creative work is very similar to that of many other British indie-bands which one can tell even judging by its line-up. Nevertheless, it is the songs’ soulfulness, the honesty of lyrics and sincerity in Nicholson’s vocals that make you listen carefully from the very first sounds of his voice and simply feel whatever is expressed in this or that composition. Naturally the main themes the guys cover are love and life, and one can always find wise and deep thoughts in their texts which are told in a very simple manner. Besides, except for the soulful ballads, The Boxer Rebellion is known for its splendid stadium anthems of which there are many especially on the second record Union and on the new album as well. This rich choice of musical possibilities cannot but cause admiration, and it is absolutely impossible to explain why none major label has yet signed the band. Yet the flawless quality and amazing songs on the album The Cold Still will certainly draw much attention and it can well happen so that the recording companies fight with each other for working with The Boxer Rebellion. Anyway, its third album has become a true piece of art in the discography, and if you are not acquainted with this handsome four-piece’s creative work yet, The Cold Still will prove to be a perfect recommendation.