We're in a fairly unique position as a band, in that we've amassed lots of positive critical attention including a Mercury nomination, whilst still operating - to stretch the seagoing metaphor to breaking point - somewhere so far under the radar, that it's probably actually sonar.

My band, Sweet Billy Pilgrim have just released a new album. Semantically speaking, I know that statement is a little naive; it might even sound disingenuous given that music is consumed in so many different ways now.

"...Like an iron foundry at full volume", promised a bemused NME reviewer of Descension by never-even-remembered UK industrial rockers Slab! I remember peering out at those words from behind a greasy curtain of teenage hair, and wondering why a band would want to sound like that.

When I was told about our Mercury Prize nomination (for Twice Born Men in 2009) I was fitting a toilet seat, as part of my - then - day job. It was certainly one of those fairy-tale moments, despite the confines of the cubicle, my wee soaked knees and the delighted tourettes of a man who can't quite believe his luck.