ALBUM REVIEW: Songs of Industry and Sunshine – Quantum Pig
2019 is already stacked with expectations in music after the mammoth 2018. Hoping to join the masses of many others this year is ‘progressive rock but not progressive’ band QUANTUM PIG, and their ‘love-letter to progressive genres’ debut album, Songs of Industry and Sunshine. Having already had White Star Records sign them prior to the release, something special must be being displayed from QUANTUM PIG.
One of the key things to remember with this album is that despite being a progressive band, they break down the boundaries that is expected from the ‘prog’ genres. There’s no 15-minute long guitar solos, or lyrics about wizards, but the subject matters that surround the album will push them forward in the prog world. This is about how the old world is dying and how we need to move forward with the future to save our planet. The themes are huge and will get you thinking.
Statement of Intent kicks off the record in an enticing fashion. The song boasts prog undertones without going overboard and drawing away from the epic lyrical content. The prog undertones continue in Citizen and State, but the song is bolstered by an angry, punchy punk vibe. This is where the statement ‘progressive rock but not progressive band’ comes from. By the second song on the album QUANTUM PIG have been able distinguish that they are breaking down specifics of a genre that has up until now been distinctive.
Long Letter Home is the albums most elongated of songs standing at 12-minutes long. Each step in the song acts as a new part of a story. Undoubtedly this is a modern prog epic, as each element layers on top of each other there are new climaxes to be reached, and the narrative makes for an impacting listen. Long Letter Home leads into a Floydian mood of The Shadows We Miss, and despite a melancholy undertone there are cracks of hope that flow out into the sound with this song. One of the key things that stands out in a bold fashion on The Shadows We Miss is the vocal harmonies between QUANTUM PIG masterminds Mark Stevenson and Ian Faragher, the way they tie together is with elegance, passion and a subtle glow of power. The song can hold itself, but those harmonies just strengthen the structure in a way that is beautifully unexpected.
Things is the closest element to pop on the album. It’s upbeat, catchy and has the ability to create an earworm. It’s one of those songs that despite it not being the strongest on the album, it’s the one that leaves you craving for more. Keep The Nation Warm draws away from the upbeat pop vibes of Things, and delivers a more ethereal tone. The song itself flows from acoustic guitars, soft vocals to punk electric anger. Guesting on the album is White Star Records‘ John Mitchell who throws out an incredible guitar solo that packs all of the hope, anger, aspirations for the future into it.
Closing the album is Dirty Old Engine. Throughout the song there is simply just an echoing of a piano accompanying the vocals that acts as a remembrance for the Industrial Revolution. The stripped-back affair is moving to say the least, the simplicity of it is a wonderful touch in order to not overshadow the theme. What QUANTUM PIG have achieved with Dirty Old Engine to end Songs of Industry and Sunshine is beautiful, and special.
For a debut album of a duo who have been bold with their themes and style, QUANTUM PIG have achieved something incredible. Songs of Industry and Sunshine makes for a comfortable listen, but with an impacting finish. Stevenson and Faragher work effortlessly together and their musicianship doesn’t go unnoticed with this release, everything sounds as though the pair share the same brain. The album is plagued with optimism for our future provided we move along with it, a sentimental message to be left with. It consistently hits the mark with what they set out to achieve, a triumphant first effort.
Rating: 9/10
Songs of Industry and Sunshine is out now via White Star Records.
For more information on QUANTUM PIG like their official page on Facebook.
