Jape returns this month with the album 'This Chemical Sea', Richie Egan's first offering since 2011's 'Ocean of Frequency,' and its certainly been worth the wait. Glen Keating of The Redneck Manifesto was Egan's main collaborator on the album, which was recorded in Richie's adopted home-town of Malmo, Sweden. Villagers' Conor O'Brien also contributed, co-writing the song 'Ribbon Ribbon Ribbon'. Glen and Richie joined Tom in studio earlier this week to perform 'Metamorphosis'.

Four years is a long time in music, but Egan says that despite writing every day, 'life got in the way' of the record. With 'This Chemical Sea,' Jape's perseverance has paid off; the songs 'Metamorphosis' and 'Seance of Light' reflect a quiet confidence that can only come with time. Egan has spoken previously of finding a sound unique to Jape - the restraint and melodiousness of 'This Chemical Sea' is that sound.

Anyone who's belted out the sing-a-long friendly 'Floating' (usually up to their neck in mud) knows that Jape have always had a way with words. Egan discusses those lyricists that have most inspired him - among them Cass McCombs and Will Oldham - and how his tendency toward electro has done nothing to dampen his love of a good lyric. He talks about the need to write consistently: "You've got to be at the bus-stop to catch the bus."

It's a mark of the quality of the record that David Wrench, who mixed 'This Chemical Sea', has gone on to produce for the likes of Caribou and Jungle. Egan was impressed by Wrench's production of a Bat for Lashes album and contacted him with a view to working on the new album. It was a savvy move: Wrench's skill at blending electronic and acoustic textures, honed with Bat for Lashes, is in evidence on the Jape record.

Jape begin their European tour this month, and have shows in Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Cork on February 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd respectively. Their new album 'This Chemical Sea' is out now on Faction Records.

Click on the above link to listen to the full interview and session.