"Volumes was never 100 per cent decided that we were going to make this record," says frontman Michael Barr. After 2021's 'Happier?' wrapped and the pandemic years fell away, the band eased back into writing. "We slowly started chipping away – mainly chorus ideas."

Those fragments became 'Mirror Touch', their fifth album. While Barr describes it as a "new era", he's quick to acknowledge how that can sound. "I feel predictable and obligated to say that in interviews. But really, we're in a rare environment of age, time, wear and tear. That's a luxury when stepping into the studio. It gives you an edge on showing up every day. If you're lucky, you can avoid writer's block and apply that to making the best songs possible. Coming from a real place. That is the clear line of direction you can follow on this album."

Instead of trying to build a concept album or a statement piece, they approached things more instinctively. "The only rule we really set is to not be over-conceptualised," he explains. "Keeping the songs and the tones and the subjectivity all low to ground so people can really step into these songs for the first time. I do not think we accomplished that on any record I was a part of prior to this."

That looser approach was made possible by a change in how the band operates. "Volumes, for the first time – minus our label Fearless – is fully DIY. No management, no booking. I believe having more control and no exact timeline helped make this the best outcome we could have possibly asked for."

The freedom can be heard most clearly at the album's edges. 'Worth It' anchors the emotional weight, while 'Suffer On' pushes into unfamiliar territory, and almost didn't happen at all.

"That was recorded on our last day in the studio. It was essentially regurgitated out in the most fantastic way the night before I went in to record. This happens never! Very few and far between, something is channelling through you, and you can jot it down within minutes. I. WAS. SO. PUMPED."

The track features Barr's close friend Trae Malone and LA doom unit Black Sheep Wall. "It is the opposite of what Volumes has been doing or what I think people expected. I like that."

That kind of confidence isn't accidental. Asked what changed to make the band feel more sure-footed this time around, Barr replies: "I don't know – time. Mistakes. Feeling forced into doing things a certain way."

He continues, "Nothing matters unless you care about it. Not taking what you are doing 100 per cent seriously. Leaving life percentages in there to be able to leave some part of the creative process up to the musical universe – which I do believe exists! I feel being in tune with these things keeps us productive."

He also credits the band's fanbase with helping guide the creative process. "I feel like they are in the room with me. I've met so many people along the way. I try to remember everyone's name and face. I like to picture certain people I have met and what their reaction to certain songs would be. I think it is something that I lean on in the studio when I am struggling."

'Sidewinder' was the first single back, direct and aggressive. "With taking so much time off and so much transpiring in the world during that period, we felt it was the right choice to come out with something that felt like it slapped you in the face."

Other moments dive into murkier territory. 'S.O.A.P.' explores morality and the messiness of being human. "I think it's something we touch on all the time. 'Neon Eyes' on our album 'No Sleep' has a similar subjectivity. We tend to lean in this direction a lot. I think we are simply human. We are made up of experiences, both good and bad. I like talking about the immoral and some of the rabbit holes we tend to go down."

When asked what the process taught him personally, Barr doesn't hesitate. "I like alone time."

As for what 2026 might look like, there's no big master plan. Just perspective. "Lots of people have big feelings and opinions towards Volumes. I think we are going to spend more time with our families and outside in nature. We just feel privileged to be able to put this particular album out. This was not set in stone."

And despite everything, there's still a sense of wonder. "I joined this band in 2008, and it has provided, to date, the best experiences in my life. We wouldn't be in this position if people did not come out to shows then, or if people did not continue to support us and push today in 2026. We feel we are so incredibly lucky to have such a great support system of fans and family."

Volumes' album 'Mirror Touch' is out now.