The Boxer Rebellion - Code Red (single/ Mercury) By Steve Rudd Release Date: September 20th 2004.

These guys have led a lucky couple of years since Alan McGee spotted them playing their hearts out in the New Bands tent at Glastonbury. So impressed was he that he signed them up to his Poptones label, through which two severely limited edition/ scandalously sought after singles were released in the form of Watermelon and In Pursuit, both of which built sent an exciting buzz about the nation and brought in yet more loyal fans to their stead.

Code Red is the first Poptones single of theirs to be released through Mercury. A shimmering, perfectly polished affair, Code Red is a soar-away gem of melodic magnificence and extraordinary vocals from front man Nathan Brown. You've been running from love, you've been running from life he sings - and he means it. There are few bands around right now in the same space-orbiting league as The Boxer Rebellion, as their music embroils the most beautiful style and substance of Puressence, Haven and The Music in their most breathtaking throes of exhilaration. 4/5 www.theboxerrebellion.com

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