Yet to release an album and with only limited edition presses of their first two singles available, to say tonight’s headliners, The Boxer Rebellion, have an air of mystery about them would be an understatement. But on tonight’s evidence their turbulent, visceral and exquisite music will melt your jaded guitar-rock heart.
It’s the opening night of the band’s first UK tour since supporting the Cooper Temple Clause; For Nottingham it’s almost a reconnaissance mission before they return to support Biffy Clyro at Rock City in October. So far, so straight forward – However, The Boxer Rebellion could be in the process of executing a pincer movement on the mainstream like nothing you’ve seen before.
The Rebellion deal in thumping great swathes of atmospherics; Guitars and vocals half choral, half seething with an epic and confident swagger – early Verve through rose-tinted headphones. Bassist Adam Harrison and drummer Piers Hewitt are giving it the Best of British tonight. If Stealth’s angular interior reminds you of the kind of lazermaze you used to frequent as a kid, their earth-shaking backline will bring you back to the present sharpish, if it doesn’t carry you into the middle of next week.
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The rock solid UK rhythm section and more exotic guitar talents of Aussie Todd Howe and Tennessee heart breaker-cum-vocalist Nathan Nicholson can leave you in no doubt as to why Alan McGee (the man responsible for signing Oasis) snapped up the intercontinental four-piece last year. Nicholson’s range and expression in particular give songs like ‘We Have This Place Surrounded’, ‘Watermelon’ and forthcoming single ‘Code Red’ the dynamic breadth sadly lacking in the majority of the bands contemporaries.
It’s a short set at 30 minutes, in keeping with NME club night policy, but shot in the arm that reminds you just how vital music can be. As the NME have stated - if followed correctly, this band could change your life.
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