In July 2000, 28 Days had just scored the number one album in the country. They were the toast of the Australian music scene, having developed from their skate-punk origins to an FM radio and festival favourite.

Less than four years later, the band left their major label and were in the commercial wilderness. After mixed success since, in 2009, 28 Days are on their way back.

After time away from the band to focus on family and side projects amongst other things, singer Jay Dunne explains how a chance email from guitarist Damian – œDamo’ Gardiner brought about the rebirth of 28 Days.

According to Dunne, the long time between drinks came from a lack of passion in the band. “I just got sick of playing,” he explains. “The passion had just disappeared. We even joked that we needed to pull a Farnhsey and jump back into touring in a few years.”

But the time off helped the band rediscover what being in 28 Days meant to them. “After helping Damo put out his album [ Request Line Rocks ] he sent me what turned out to be an old 28 Days demo that he wanted me to sing on. It was a little faster than usual, but after laying dome some vocals for it, it sounded like 28 Days again.”

Dunne remains upbeat about working their way back into the ears and minds of Aussie listeners. “To be honest, I don’t think there have been enough bands that came along after we left the scene that challenged to take our mantle,” he says. “It sounds a little cocky, but we had cut our teeth with bands such as Mindsnare on the live circuit, and these days the bands seem to be getting an easier ride. I think the kids can see through bands that have toughed it out and those who get the quick rise to fame.”

Dunne also observes what he perceives as a lack of passionate live shows amongst some of their up-and-coming contemporaries. “We saw a lot of bands who had the songs and the talent, but when it came to playing live, the passion just isn’t there.”

So after a few years away from the touring circuit and recording studios, would the band feel as though they had to prove themselves all over again?

“You know we’re looking forward to the challenge,” the frontman states. “When we were in recording [for the follow-up to their number one album Upstyle Down ] Stealing Chairs, we had these 40-year-old guys in suits telling 20-year-old guys how their songs should sound. All of the sudden the pressure from the label made got us worried.

“That we had to follow up on the success of the Upstyle Down really changed our mindset. But recording these new songs, were having a lot more fun and there’s a lot less pressure involved. We’ve met so many great people in the past that have given so much back to us, helping get the vibe right and the mindset right.”

Now independent, the band is taking a different creative approach in writing its new material. “In the early days of the band, I liked letting others take control of the process, but now after being in a family environment, I like to take a bit more control and mould the songs the way that I think will sound best.”

After recent shows with a retiring Bodyjar, the band is enjoying playing live again. They are looking forward to being able to give back to the fans. “I’m taking a bit more time to engage with the fans, keeping our website and message board updated with what we’re doing and how we’re going. It’s been a little while out of the limelight, so it’s nice to see the fans are still there and singing along at our shows.”

Let’s hope the time between drinks isn’t as long next time.

28 Days play Solar Music Festival at the Mornington Racecourse on Sunday 3 January.