'WATERMELON'
(single/ POPTONES)
Another band to add to the ever-expanding list of 'shit-hot' outfits to keep your eyes and ears painfully peeled for, the intriguingly named Boxer Rebellion push, pull and jostle for every available punch in the Alt.-indie rock marketplace: haggling their talents for exposure, and bringing us this amazing little single to whet our appetites for yet greater tunes to come. I'm sure.
The title track - 'Watermelon' - is carried by its mightily broody vibe and flaming guitar riff, sucking dark seduction straight to Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's vein. 'The New Heavy,' however, is far more energized and rocky in a Cooper Temple Clause-sharing artery of most excellent exuberance, with its brazen 'If you want me - come and get me!' statement.
And come track 3, and 'In The Empire,' the gloves are off as these guys impress some more with their versatility, as an endearingly unexpected acoustic vibe tends towards its breathtaking Alt.-rock climax, a 7-minute running time for this one track alone and a sensational vibe and sound that's so reminiscent of Puressence in all their glory it hurts.
But when I say 'hurts,' I mean that in the most sublime context. Because I am as anti-violence as they are. 9/10 (STEVE RUDD)
Release date: October 6th 2003.