Sounding like an electronically tinged blend of Arcade Fire, with Rush, perhaps a soupcon of U2 and a definite ‘proggy’ overtone, while Swimming, this five-piece from Nottingham, may be making its debut with ‘The Fireflow Trade’, it is as far removed from ‘new band’ as it is possible to be. From the spiritually uplifting opener ‘Panthalassa’, to the title track closer of ‘Fireflow Trade’, I have seldom felt so enervated by such a refreshing new ten tracks of all-enveloping sound.

Yes. Okay. There are inevitable comparisons to be made and I swear I could even hear elements of Genesis and Jethro Tull woven into the soundscapes but they can only have been mild influences that this band has absorbed and reissued in its occasionally complex blends and overdubs. Presenting such complete maturity of sound that seemingly possesses a number of pertinent messages, there is a comprehensive quality to the music that suggests that the band’s five members understand a lot more than just the intrinsics of composition.

Frontman, John Sampson, upon whose label, Colourschool Records, this album is released, possesses an ethereal quality to his fluid, occasionally North African-sounding vocalisations, which blend and flow with the occasional cacophony (hence the Arcade Fire reference) that transcends their music. It is a glorious noise that they make, which is simply packed with unerringly good harmonies and yet presents a few unexpected surprises around each sonorous corner.

Yet, where prog-rock tends to be entrenched in the past, Swimming is tackling new territory with some degree of relish. The rest of the line-up consists of Peter Sampson (whom I presume is related to John), Andrew Wright, Jonathan Spittlehouse and Blake Pearson. Occasionally brooding, sometimes pounding, never less than exciting, I can understand why Emily Eavis commanded their attendance at Glasto’ last year. They are on a UK mini-tour at the moment but I reckon you will start to hear more of them in the not too distant future.