Two albums in, I Am Giant is a band that has caught its stride. There's a notable energy and self-assurance to the rockers' sophomore offering, Science & Survival. "We feel like we've settled into our sound a bit more on this album," explains bassist Paul Matthews.
"With the first album [The Horrifying Truth] we were kind of trying things out while finding our feet but with this, we knew where we were all coming from and we took a few more chances. The songs we ended up choosing were a bit heavier, with more attitude; a bit more progressive."
The more epic, heavier rock sound wasn't a conscious decision. It's just how things turned out. "We probably could've put together a poppier album with all the songs that we had but these are just the ones we were really feeling. We chose the ones we liked the best."
Matthews shares a lot of the writing with fellow New Zealander and drummer Shelton Woolright and admits they're both perfectionists, which is why the album took longer to record than their allocated time in a studio in the South of France.
"We thought we'd go down there and record in eight weeks, but what ended up happening was we then spent another 12 weeks in my studio. But it had to be done. We were being fussy. I'm fussy, Shelton's fussy.
"So it's a lengthy process. Some songs, we did the vocals three times," he says.
"Sometimes it feels like you're trying to solve a code - like doing a Rubik's cube. You get the green side, then you've got the blue side, and it's like, 'Oh no'. You're trying to keep an eye on all the sides. It just comes to what you're happy to settle on and we just weren't prepared to settle. But we're really happy with the end results."
And fans agree. On its recent release, Science & Survival debuted at number one in the local charts and number two in the New Zealand Top 40. Now rave reviews are starting to flow in from around the world - and not just from countries like the UK, Australia, Poland and Germany, where I Am Giant already has a solid fan-base.
"It's still taking off in different territories; different countries are catching on. They're buying it in Denmark and Finland and in Russia. We also have a small following in Brazil," says Matthews.
But New Zealand is where I Am Giant still feels most loved. "It's always a pleasure to play for anybody who loves what you do. It's a massive personal compliment. But it's always great to come home. Kiwi crowds are crazy."
Science & Survival is out now. I Am Giant plays the Powerstation in Auckland on August 2. Visit www.iamgiant.com for more North Island tour dates.