Judging by the seeds sown, this is most certainly a keeper.

Over the horizon come Quantum Pig, namely Mark Stevenson and Ian Faragher, both a Prog band and "not a Prog band"; slice them in half and find not a filling of jaded Prog clichés but a contemporary and imaginative recipe. It's one that recalls a similar ambition to FROST*'s Jem Godfrey whose own Pop-tastic writing skills combine with a passion for Prog in an intriguing fusion.

A background in experimental music and futurism sees them wearing a heart on the sleeve admiration for Progressive music. One of their inspirations John Mitchell (It Bites, Kino, Lonely Robot, FROST*) is in the producer's chair and Craig Blundell (Steven Wilson, FROST* and soon to be Steve Hackett Band drummer) is also on hand to provide the drum sounds missing from their own personal armoury. The release also comes on Mitchell's own White Star label, thus affirming his belief in the duo.

Their debut single 'Citizen And State' may have given a hint of what's to come with its "meeting between The Stranglers and Kraftwerk in the house of Sonic Youth" description, yet 'Statement Of Intent' sets the scene as well as the tone and proves that there may be a tongue in cheekiness at play here. It sees the first dabble with some Public Service Broadcasting styled soundbites, and from herein to the closing of the record with the more melancholic piano and voice of 'Dirty Old Engine' there's a delightful journey of discovery.

It's a journey where 'Long Letter Home' at just under twelve minutes might attract the attention of those fans who adore longer form pieces. It's not quite rewriting the book or "bigger than Jesus" as they suggest in the opening lines, but an early contender for Track Of The Year, one that stands like a Colossus over the album with the controlled intensity of the first half coming to a close as part two eases back in an atmospheric direction. In contrast, the three-minute blast of energy through 'Things' adds credence to the Punk credentials, whereas the beautifully constructed guitar parts on 'Keep The Nation Warm' and 'The Shadows We Miss' keep us snug while also sending a shiver.

'Songs Of Industry And Sunshine' proves an exercise in the liberating feeling of creating music that can take any turn at any time and the end result is one big Prog-infused love-in; judging by the seeds sown, this is most certainly a keeper.

Mike Ainscoe