Separated by two oceans and hailing from three different continents, an unlikely series of events brought indie rock mainstay The Boxer Rebellion together more than ten years ago. After the death of his mother in 2000, Tennessean frontman Nathan Nicholson embarked on a soul searching journey to London, where a fateful band-building want ad got him in touch with Todd Howe, an Australian guitarist also spending time in the UK. Joined by Piers Hewit and Adam Harrison, both English and on drums and bass respectively, The Boxer Rebellion was born. The band’s first taste of the limelight came with their second release and first full length album, Exits, in Spring of 2005. Since then, The Boxer Rebellion has gone on to release three more LPs, including this year’s Promises, which dropped last May.

While they cite brit rock influences such as Radiohead, Oasis, and The Verve, The Boxer Rebellion aren’t just another group of slightly angsty lads with guitars. Over the band’s decade-plus of recording, TBR has crafted its own unique sound relying on fuzzy and riff-tastic guitar work, paired with slightly distorted but all-too-catchy vocals. Solid bass lines and on-point drumming have always served as backup, but this band is anything but static. Their newest record sees them toying with an 80s-influenced, new wave sound, and pulling it off fantastically. Catch the Boxer Rebellion play their hits, new and old alike, at Metro on June 15th.

It was just a couple months ago when Kurt Vile held a parade to celebrate the release of Wakin on a Pretty Daze, and now those who missed the festivities in the City of Brotherly Love can experience the whole shebang. The lion maned strummer’s latest video for “KV Crimes” features some highlights from the festivities, including a crown-donning Vile. Give it a watch below.

Whether you have a lingering blank space on your apartment wall or a mean streak for silkscreen collecting, Metro’s latest offering surely will be a popular new addition. Charles Crisler, the solo silkscreen artist behind Indiana-based 27 Design Co., has lent his talents to Glen Hansard’s sold out Metro show this Sunday for what he calls “a nice feel-good print.” Check out more of 27 Design Co.’s work here and don’t forget to pick up your own print after the show!

ON SALE THIS FRIDAY 6/7 @ NOON IN METRO:
Wednesday, September 4: FLUME
Friday, September 13: WASHED OUT
Wednesday, September 18: WAX TAILOR & THE DUSTY RAINBOW EXPERIENCE * BUCK 65
Monday, October 7: WHITE LIES

With less than a week until the release of The Wack Album, Pitchfork has posted an interview with comedic powerhouse The Lonely Island.  While still the undisputed champs of the fake rap (“frap”) game, the trio talks some of the more mature themes covered on this record, as well as their real life hip-hop influences.  Read the interview here, and don’t miss your chance to get responses to the questions it left unanswered at Metro on June 14th.

Melancholia fancying trio White Lies has just announced the upcoming release of their third LP, to be titled BIG TV. The British post-punk revivalists have also released the album’s tracklist and their first single in nearly two years, a gut pounding synth number called “Getting Even.” Trudging through the dark themes and New Wave lean that’s become their macabre calling card, this single is definitely worth a listen.

Metro is pleased to welcome Lollapalooza performing artists Wednesday, July 31 through Saturday, August 3. This series of evening shows, taking place the week of the Lollapalooza festival in Chicago, will provide music fans the opportunity to see some of today’s brightest stars in an intimate club environment. Tickets to all Metro shows go on sale this Friday June 7 at 10am at the Metro Box Office and at metrochicago.com / etix.com.

Wednesday, July 31:
Audiotree & Scion present...
NELARUSKY: An Official Lollapalooza Aftershow benefitting Special Olympics...

IMAGINE DRAGONS * ICONA POP * BRICK + MORTAR * KELLEN & ME

$26 / 18 & Over / Doors: 6PM / Show: 7PM

Friday, August 2:                          
An Official Lollapalooza Aftershow...

ERIC CHURCH * FRONTIER RUCKUS

$31 / 18 & Over / Doors: 10PM / Show: 11PM

Saturday, August 3:                          
93XRT Welcomes...
An Official Lollapalooza Aftershow...

BAND OF HORSES * REIGNWOLF

$35 / 18 & Over / Doors: 10PM / Show: 11PM