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Alternative rock collective Boxer Rebellion, led by Nathan Nicholson, delivers a beautiful, thoughtful new single, “Love Yourself.”  

“A pair of tough hands that became too tough / A growing armor for whatever they might tough.” Sigh, how poetic. UK alternative-indie band The Boxer Rebellion return with a new single, “Love Yourself.” While the phrase and song title has been overused as of late, the results are nothing short of beautiful.

“Love Yourself” commences mysteriously, initially ‘hanging around’ a minor key (C minor), or so it seems. Guitars and ‘strings’ characterize the instrumentation of the intro. Gradually, the production grows in fullness, incorporating rhythmic drums and bass.  Frontman Nathan Nicholson, the sole American, delivers a strong vocal performance, filled with emotion – tenderness and thoughtfulness. It’s pitch-perfect in regards to the lyricism, not to mention the pitch itself.

A gradual progression of sorts, upon reaching the chorus, “Love Yourself” evolves fuller, embracing the relative major (E-flat) and ‘happiness.’ Perhaps that happiness and fulfillment hasn’t been achieved by who Nicholson portrays within the song, but he offers the proper pathway to achieve that fulfillment.

“But I know, you’re just someone who’s feeling all alone / You’re just someone who doesn’t seem to know which way to turn / If you just ask for help, if you just ask for help / First thing I’ll say is you gotta love yourself.”

Final Thoughts

So, how does The Boxer Rebellion stack up on “Love Yourself.” It’s simply lovely.  This is a well-written, poetic song, featuring excellent vocals and excellent production work.  Thoughtful through and through, we could all stand to ‘love ourselves’ more than we do. We tend to be our own worst enemies and undervalue who we are and what we have to offer. Feels through and through.

The Boxer Rebellion • Love Yourself – Single • Absentee Recordings • Release: 11.3.17

Photo Credit: Absentee Recordings