Musically, that world began to solidify with '24 Hour Open'. "We recorded that tune about halfway through the process, and I remember us listening back in the control room and feeling blown away by the sound of Ella's guitars and Mike's drums," they say. "It was the moment we looked at our engineer Phillip and said, 'This is it'." That track became the bar. Everything else had to meet it.

It's also, apparently, the sexiest moment on the record. "Just listen to the middle 8. Those reversed guitars and tape machine is working overtime to get you in the mood," they laugh. "I guess when instrumentation feels free, it's just sexy to me. Hits so much harder. Beatles' Helter Skelter' vibes."

The world of 'The Parlour' isn't all mood lighting and lust, though. Tracks like 'Talk About It' are sharper, more direct. "We wrote it as a bit of a joke, a cathartic game for ourselves after being written off as industry plants early on," they explain. "Those false narratives still impact us today; that's the truth of the matter. It's hard to know people have developed misinformed opinions on this project because of a rancid and misplaced witch hunt." The anger is still there, but so is the perspective. "It thickened our skin very early on and reminded us how important it is for artists and fans to advocate across the board for minority groups who come under scrutiny for simply existing."

Making the record brought lessons, too. "Patience. It is only possible to be patient when there is no choice but to be patient." The songwriting pushed them into new territory. "A leap for me was writing with other people. It's not something I've ever done or felt comfortable with," one of them says. "Allowing myself to be open and honest enough to collaborate was a big leap. And to also stand my own ground when I knew a particular thing needed to be a certain way. I'm a professional compromiser now."

Their influences go beyond music. "Film is always influencing our work. Particularly David Lynch, which I know a lot of musicians feel," they say. Right now, it's 'Phantom of the Paradise' that has their full attention. "I think that may be my muse for album two."

And what's the best thing someone could say about 'The Parlour'? "There are two things. One, that it made them want to pick up a guitar or bass and learn a riff. Two, that it helps them get up and ready to kick some ass in their day-to-day life."

As for what's next, they're keeping it honest. "Depends how this album does, to be honest." But the dream? "Picture Parlour support tour with Jack White." If that happens in 2026, you heard it here first.

Until then, there's just one final message: "Buy the record and be nice." Picture Parlour's album 'The Parlour' is out now.