BRITISH India frontman Declan Melia admits the group was once almost "embarrassed" by its garage-rock sound.
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Now a more well-rounded rock outfit, the Melbourne band is more confident and happier, particularly on the back of its fifth album Nothing Touches Me.
"It (the album) is not a big leap from Avalanche and Controller, but is still a step forward," Melia said.
"There were two kinds of songs on Controller - the punky, trashy old British India songs, and then there were the more sophisticated, emotionally complex songs.
"It was reassuring to us that people were willing to follow us on this journey (after Controller), and that really freed us up on this record.
"This one came from a place full of more confidence, whereas Controller came from more of a low point. This is a confident record.
"On the other albums I think we were trying to get away or hide from the British India sound.
"We were trying to disguise it from what it really was, as we were kind of embarrassed that we were such a guitary band."
Melia said Nothing Touches Me meant a lot to the group, which also features Nic Wilson, Will Drummond and Matt O'Gorman.
One of the songs has found its way to top spot on the ARIA charts.
"There are a few songs on there that came out exactly as or better than I pictured them, which is a rare thing," he said.
"With the first two records, the tracks sounded like when they were played live, but now they are more complex.
"You have the bare bones of it in your hand, but until you dress it up, you aren't sure how it is going to come across.
"A great song is a great song, but even great songs can die by their production.
"There was a bit of a craft to get this one together and I think we did well."
The group will be at Launceston's Club 54 on Thursday, May 7.
"This is the best part of your career - the first tour after the record and watching people's faces change and examining how your ideas are being reflected back at you by the people," Melia said.
It will be the group's first time in Launceston since A Day on the Green with Hunters and Collectors and Something For Kate in 2014.
"We're there to have a good time and entertain.
"I don't think people come to our shows to see real finesse or perfect vocal harmonies, it is about us really going nuts, for a lack of a better term."