The Boxer Rebellion - The Cold Still
Producer: Ethan Johns
eOne Music Canada
The new album from UK band The Boxer Rebellion finds this dynamic group
stepping into the studio for their first major major label debut album
with veteran British producer Ethan Johns (Kings of Leon, Ryan Adams,
Emmylou Harris, Crowded House, etc.). The result is a very British and
polished, yet highly consistent sound.
As this album makes the rounds, the critics seem to be calling it one
of the best "alternative" albums of the year. I'm not so sure I would
go that far... Its not a bad album by any means, what I'm getting at is
that I think that after 10 years of trials and tribulations in "the
industry", this band is only now coming into its own. Also, I was not
aware that "alternative" was still a viable musical genre label!
The atmospheric sound palette served up on this mostly mellow disc
reminds me of the last couple Radiohead albums, with the last track,
"Doubt" coming closest. Speaking of, I think this band would benefit
from letting a few more of their influences into their songwriting and
delivery. I feel as though this album could have used a little less
keys/strings and more loud guitars, in some parts anyways. These guys
are clearly influenced by rock and roll, and should not be afraid to show it.
"The Runner" is my favorite track, rocking slightly more than most, and
showcasing the band's loud/quiet dynamic quite well.
"The Cold Still" is definitely
consistent, and a good statement of what the band is capable of. I do feel as though
some of the emotion of these songs is lost to the thick production. Seeing this band live
is where this set of songs will shine the best, and truly display the group interacting
as an organic element, as is somewhat, but not totally apparent enough on this disc.
All in all a good listen, for mellow, relaxing occasions. I hope these guys can bring out
their rocking side, which is very much present when they perform live, on their next disc.
stepping into the studio for their first major major label debut album
with veteran British producer Ethan Johns (Kings of Leon, Ryan Adams,
Emmylou Harris, Crowded House, etc.). The result is a very British and
polished, yet highly consistent sound.
As this album makes the rounds, the critics seem to be calling it one
of the best "alternative" albums of the year. I'm not so sure I would
go that far... Its not a bad album by any means, what I'm getting at is
that I think that after 10 years of trials and tribulations in "the
industry", this band is only now coming into its own. Also, I was not
aware that "alternative" was still a viable musical genre label!
The atmospheric sound palette served up on this mostly mellow disc
reminds me of the last couple Radiohead albums, with the last track,
"Doubt" coming closest. Speaking of, I think this band would benefit
from letting a few more of their influences into their songwriting and
delivery. I feel as though this album could have used a little less
keys/strings and more loud guitars, in some parts anyways. These guys
are clearly influenced by rock and roll, and should not be afraid to show it.
"The Runner" is my favorite track, rocking slightly more than most, and
showcasing the band's loud/quiet dynamic quite well.
"The Cold Still" is definitely
consistent, and a good statement of what the band is capable of. I do feel as though
some of the emotion of these songs is lost to the thick production. Seeing this band live
is where this set of songs will shine the best, and truly display the group interacting
as an organic element, as is somewhat, but not totally apparent enough on this disc.
All in all a good listen, for mellow, relaxing occasions. I hope these guys can bring out
their rocking side, which is very much present when they perform live, on their next disc.
