Whilst the DIY life has become something many artists have had to get used to in the last decade or so, The Boxer Rebellion were pioneers of the form. Just two weeks after the release of their 2005 debut album Exits and having built a substantial following, they parted company with Alan McGee’s Poptones label and – taking his subsequent advice – they decided that true independence is being fully in control of your own destiny.
Whilst admittedly this model would not work for the vast majority, an loyal network of supporters, particularly in the UK and Europe, have meant that despite long periods between material – it’s been six years since their last full album Ghost Alive – the group remain viable on their own terms.
Open Arms was first announced in the autumn of 2023 and previewed with Powdered Sugar, a track which served as a reminder of the quartet’s ability to create powerful but expressive music which takes in shoegaze and classic indie rock amongst it’s many references. It also made last year’s list of best songs.
Singer Nathan Nicholson has also revealed that the record has a worthy and never more relevant source of inspiration.
“Open Arms’ started life a few years ago when we as a band visited CALM, who, in their words are “taking a stand against suicide.” That means standing against feeling shit, standing up to stereotypes and standing together to show life is always worth living.
“It was eye opening and also something that I can very much relate to through the experiences in my own family. ‘Open Arms’ is about the power of being there for someone, listening without judgment and letting them know that they are loved.”
Now completed with the additions of A Man As Alive As The City, Lightness Out Of Darkness and the title track, the EP is also excitingly for patient initiates the prelude to more music and live work over the months to come.
The Voice Of Unreason 