Download rebels upset charts

A LONDON band are expected to top download charts around the world this week - despite not having a record contract.

The Boxer Rebellion are outselling major acts such as Coldplay, MGMT and Kings of Leon. They are No4 in the UK iTunes album download chart and top of the iTunes US alternative chart.

However, despite the digital sales figures, Union has been barred from entering the official album charts this Sunday as it has not been released as a physical CD.

The four-piece indie band recorded their album, Union, entirely by themselves, and released it only via Apple's online music store. The band's manager Sumit Buthra said: "This was a completely independent release and with no label backing, no finance, no radio play and no press coverage. I think it's a real indication that it is now entirely possible to get this level of success without a major label behind you."

Mr Buthra said that since the album's release he had been inundated with calls from record companies and the band were considering their next move.

"It's been an absolute hurricane since we released the record," he said. "We obviously appreciate that major labels do offer a lot, but there is no guarantee we will sign."

The band originally agreed for a single from their album to be given away free by Apple, a move they say has paid off. They also released music to Facebook, MySpace, Bebo and YouTube.

A spokeswoman for the Official UK Chart Company confirmed that even though digital sales counted towards a chart position, a physical CD would need to be released to make the music eligible for inclusion. However, she confirmed the rules were under review.

The band has urged visitors to their website to write to the chart company, urging it to change the rules governing eligibility.

"At this point, the possibility of pressing CDs was not viable. Should we be penalised in the charts?" said Buthra.