The Boxer Rebellion - Union

The Boxer Rebellion aren't afraid of the digital age - 'Union' was initially released via iTunes only and managed to outsell the Kings of Leon and Coldplay, reaching no1 and no4 in the US and UK iTunes album charts respectively. Unfortunately it didn't appear in the main charts because the rules say it has to be released on physical media, but chances are there to be taken and this band definitely do that.

'Union' differs from the wildfire fuzz-rock of their first album 'Exits', having a far more spacious feel with more like a fusion of Manchester luminaries Puressence and Joy Division than more recent guitarmongers such as the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. There's still the same emotionally charged, almost live feel, but this time it reaches out and encompasses rather than dragging you closer by the throat. The Boxer Rebellion have yet again nailed that magic combination of heartwrenching passion and incendiary power that can raise hairs on the back of necks all the way to the edge of the arena.

There's a magical balance of ebb and flow, with tracks like 'Soviets' and 'The Gospel of Goro Adachi' summoning the lighters skywards, and 'Evacuate' and 'Forces' replacing them with pumping fists. 'Spitting Fire' which feels like a Coldplay anthem minus clever-dickery, plus raw honesty, provides a counterpoint to the more frantic moments and briefly shines a light on the band's conviction that the music comes first, in whatever form it demands to take.

Unions is a maelstrom of extremes - bare and emotionally strained one minute, ragged and loose the next, but always with a delicate touch that draws you in. Even in the darker moments there's a sense of the songs wanting to lift you up if you're prepared to give them a chance, and I'd say it's well worth it.