After four years away from the limelight Staines four-piece Hard-Fi are back with new album Killer Sounds, although not without some trepidation it seems.

Guitarist with the BRIT nominated band Ross Philips explained the band’s fear of no longer being relevant and making an album no one would want to listen to.

“There was no reason for the break, we were touring pretty hard and just wanted some time out,” said Ross.

“We had been on the road relentlessly since Stars of CCTV came out in 2005, plus we wanted to wait for the right producers to become available.

“However, time passes quickly and we had no one breathing down our neck which was good in some respects but not so good in others.

“By the time we had new songs and were ready to be a band again the music world had moved on. We were worried we weren’t going to be relevant anymore and that no one would want to hear our new songs. That was a very real fear for us.

“However, we gave a few copies of demos out and it just went from there. People started talking and saying nice things, which to be honest was a bit of a relief.”

Since returning to the live scene the quartet, known for hits such as Hard To Beat and Cash Machine, have headlined the Leftfield Stage at Glastonbury as well as play a handful of smaller shows.

And new material including the singles, Good For Nothing and Fire In The House, have so far has gone down well.

Ross said: “The new album has a bit more of an electronic edge to it but still has the same Hard-Fi vibe.

“Hopefully fans of the previous albums shouldn’t be disappointed. We worked with four producers to do it and we’re all really happy with the way it turned out – we can’t wait for people to hear it.”

He added: “And that’s what is next for the band. We want to tour Japan and Europe and everywhere really. We just want to get out there and play to as many people as possible – that is what we are here for.”

Hard-Fi are playing at the Wulfrun Hall in Wolverhampton on October 1.