The Boxer Rebellion - Union

London-based alt-rockers The Boxer Rebellion made history last year as their digital-only album Union - named 2009's 'Alternative Album of the Year" by iTunes - became the first album from an unsigned band to crack Billboard's Top 100 albums without the benefit of a physical release. Finally arriving August 24 on CD, Union wears it's influences on its sepia shaded sleeve but the album has both the stark melodic chops and visionary scope to allow us to submerge in the grandiosity of it all. It is, says the BBC, "that rare beast – an indie record with huge commercial potential, crammed with arena-filling melodies, that also wriggles with complexities and revels in brooding atmospheres."

Often mentioned in the same breath as fellow Brit bands Radiohead, Interpol, Coldplay and The Verve, The Boxer Rebellion -- formed in London by Tennessee native Nathan Nicholson and Australian Todd Howe -- released their debut album Exits in 2005. Shortly after, their label went bankrupt and the band has been without one since, becoming something of a poster child for the new D.I.Y. music industry mantra with their success. The long-awaited physical release in the States is also timed for a raised awareness level via inclusion of two songs -- and on-screen performances -- in the Drew Barrymore/Justin Long rom-com flick Going the Distance being released August 27. The Boxer Rebellion recently wrapped their the recording of their third album with producer Ethan Johns (Kings of Leon, Laura Marling).

The Boxer Rebellion - "Soviets" (from the album Union)

The Boxer Rebellion - "Evacuate" (from the album Union)

Photo Credit: Tessa Angus