The Boxer Rebellion – Promises (Blue swirl vinyl)

Promises, released in May 2013 via Absentee Recordings, finds The Boxer Rebellion embracing a more direct and anthemic indie rock mode. The band—led by Nathan Nicholson—pairs expansive synth textures, soaring choruses, and dense guitar arrangements to craft emotionally resonant soundscapes. From the punch of “Diamonds” to the atmospheric builds in “Fragile” and “Safe House,” the album balances introspection and momentum. The production foregrounds clarity and space, allowing the band’s melodic instincts and Nicholson’s emotive delivery to take center stage.

While some tracks lean into stadium-scale ambition, Promises retains moments of intimacy and restraint—especially in quieter passages like “Low” and the title track. Over time, it has come to be appreciated by fans for its emotional breadth and accessible songwriting without abandoning depth. For listeners drawn to modern indie rock with sweeping scope, Promises stands as a mature and confident step in The Boxer Rebellion’s catalog.

"The result is that Promises has a vibrant, wide-angle lens perfectly suited to the band’s buoyant lyricism and guitar rock uplift" – AllMusic

“Promises is The Boxer Rebellion at its brightest, and paradoxically, that attribute also makes it the band’s most mature statement to date.” – Sputnikmusic

“Diamonds is a solid opening track which practically oozes with the promise of a standard of music spectacularly set.” – Entertainment Focus

“The London based quartet … simply sums up to be a coherently consistent piece. Promises simply is an anthem of its own.” – NBHAP