Photo: Andy Sidders
If one were to rename The Boxer Rebellion this far into the career, you would call them The Eternal Bridesmaids. Because much as that famous aphorism, they’ve been itchingly close to big level success now it's painful.
From the early days of their more alternative and brutal rock through to their current incarnation - a style of self-reflective indie pop – they’ve always been engaging, yet inexplicably on the fringes.
Some 10 years since they were a humble support band, it feels a crime that they’re at The Scala as opposed to a stadium. All the better for the die hard fans however, many of whom have evidently returned tonight for the second night of this double header. Tonight’s performance builds mainly off of the success of most recent studio album Promises, throwing in other material for treats.
Opener ‘The Runner' and later ‘Fragile’ are delivered with the characteristic melancholic beauty that characterises the band, though by 'Cause For Alarm' with a warm rapport established, vocalist Nathan Nicholson seems comfortable enough to try out than shamanistic dancing.
Moving through the set, 'New York' offers a triumphant testimony to their songwriting ability, where even a three word chorus can be loaded with tension, before 'Take Me Back' brings a glossy pop touch to proceedings, contrasting with a darker, simpler and grittier 'No Harm’.
‘Always' is a bold stadium rock affair before the crushingly beautiful ‘Diamonds’ has the crowd in fine voice. Arguably that’s where proceedings should have finished. Instead 'You Belong To Me' provides somewhat of an anti-climax, followed by an encore that descends into a chaotic shout-outs for requests which provides a bizarre end to an otherwise text book performance.
Even if The Boxer Rebellion has travelled a shallower bell curve of success than they deserve, they’ve accrued a hardcore following and enough road experience to put on a fantastic show. Clearly, this is a band that has learned from experience. Someday the rest of the world will catch up to these guys. Until then, they can remain the glorious secret of a lucky few.
Below: 13 exclusive photos of The Boxer Rebellion at The Scala
