In today’s alternative music scene, too many indie groups have abandoned their original sound in favor of mass appeal. So when a band can deliver emotion that is both honest and unpretentious, and stays true to the successes of its past albums, it’s grounds for major commendation. London quartet The Boxer Rebellion achieves just that on The Cold Still, with unassuming but powerful lyrics and melodies, the band rises above the rest of the indie pack.
Riding on the success of their critically-acclaimed sophomore album, Union, Boxer Rebellion found itself faced with high expectations. But they rose to the occasion with the help of a new producer, Ethan Jones (Kings of Leon, Ray LaMontagne). For both the band’s longstanding followers and new listeners alike, The Cold Still will not disappoint, mesmerizing the listener with a rich, cohesive collection of heartfelt ballads interwoven with a few radio-friendly potential chart-toppers.
The first track, “No Harm,” sets the tone for the rest of the album’s mellow, poetic sound. Set to a striking but soothing combination of piano chords and melodic beats, Nathan Nicholson’s warming lyrics draw the listener in and continue to captivate in the subsequent tracks. From this ballad to the more upbeat “Step Out of the Car” and the infectious, guitar-based “Locked in the Basement,” Boxer Rebellion demonstrates even greater merit than it did on its first album, Exits.
With numerous songs that blend into one another, the album is best appreciated as a unified collection, but a few tracks stand out on their own. “Organ Song,” for example, blends fast-paced guitar chords and captivating drum rhythms with subtle organ undertones, creating an earthy and memorable melody. Album closer “Doubt” is also exceptional, with its sparse, minimalistic sound, which allows Nicholson’s pleasant, throaty voice to take the wheel.
In staying true to their soft but rich sound, the Boxer Rebellion has impressively made the journey from an unsigned, unknown band producing their own albums to one of the iTunes top 100 Alternative groups. And with the shining release of The Cold Still, they prove that they deserve the recognition.
Voice’s Choices: “Organ Song,” “Locked in the Basement”
