The Boxer Rebellion's second album is being released physically after a nine month download only window. And to commemorate the event, it will include the bonus tracks Broken Glass and Murder Ballad plus access to track by track commentary and other goodies.

Originally formed in London in 2001 following Nathan Nicholson's (vocals, guitar, keyboards singer) relocation from the US to London and a chance meeting with Todd Howe (lead guitar), the line up was completed by the recruitment of college friends Adam Harrison (bass) and Piers Hewitt, (drums).

And for a while it all looked so promising -in 2003 they played the Glastobury new bands tent ahead of Keane and got signed by Alan McGee. But then it all went equally sour - Nathan was hit by a life threatening illness forcing the band to pull out of a tour with the Killers, and 2 weeks after their debut album Exits was released in 2005, the band's record label imploded.

Many bands might have folded at that point, but not The Boxer Rebellion. They've dusted themselves down, supported the likes of Editors, Lenny Kravitz and Gary Numan, and self financed and released Union.

At one point outselling the Coldplay and Kings Of Leon, listening to Union shows shades of many of the aforementioned acts with a sound falling somewhere between Editors, Keane and Killers. It's a tremendous effort, but like most things in life it's a case of being in the right place at the right time. Let's just hope that The Boxer Rebellion haven't missed the boat, because there's quality here aplenty. ***

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Review by Pete Whalley