Boxer Rebellion, Union

It's been almost four years since the release of The Boxer Rebellion's 'Exits', an outstanding debut that unfathomably evaded the attention of just about everyone, both critically and commercially. Since then, the band's hopes of gaining any kind of significant recognition have diminished even further, following their release from Alan McGee's record label Poptones. However, despite their chances of success taking such a blow, The Boxer Rebellion have returned with 'Union', a follow-up so good that we can only imagine the reception by which it would be met, given the kind of label backing it deserves. One factor that makes 'Union' such a commendable achievement, aside from the quality of the songs, is the fact that the band have only been able to release the album digitally and have received no publicity or press attention whatsoever.

Musically, `Union' shows a somewhat more melodic, subtle approach that wasn't always evident in its predecessor. Each song seems to improve with every listen; it is only after repeated playing that we can fully appreciate the album in its entirety, as many of these songs simply don't work as well individually, yet work particularly well as one. Opening track `Flashing Red Light Means Go' is built around pounding repetitive drums combined with acoustic guitars. `Soviets' sees the band at their most accessible, opting for acoustic guitars, twinned beautifully with Nicholson's subtle vocal delivery. `Spitting Fire' continues in a similar vein, a potential single, centred on an infectious bass line. Just as 'Union' appears to be gaining momentum, `Misplaced' slows down proceedings. A low-tempo ballad with sparse instrumentation, it isn't so much a weak song as it is, ironically, misplaced within the track listing. One can't help but feel it would provide more of an impact had it been positioned as one of the album's closing tracks. `The Ballad of Goro Adachi', sees The Boxer Rebellion treading new territory. Possibly 'Union's highlight, `The Ballad of Goro Adachi' presents us with an altogether new sound, favouring electronics in place of guitars. If The Boxer Rebellion are afforded the opportunity of a third album, one would hope that it is in this direction that they will continue.

Equally, `These Walls are Thin' offers a new dimension to 'Union', highlighting once again the band's newfound melodic approach. A return to their heavier, guitar-driven roots can be heard in `Forces'. In my opinion this would be the perfect way to close the record as the final two tracks, arguably, do not contribute to the record as a whole, leaving the impression that they had been tacked on at the last minute. `Semi-Automatic' sounds like a hybrid of 'Exits' `Never Knowing How or Why' and `Lay Me Down', yet not as impressive as either, while `Silent Movie' passes by almost unnoticed, lacking any real power or melody. However, these are merely petty grievances in light of the overall quality and diversity of the album.