Welsh rock-pop band The Automatic have done a lot of growing up in the past couple of years.

On the eve of a comeback tour and the launch of their third album, Fresh spoke to drummer Iwan Griffiths about the band’s more mature sound.

“Our new album is called Tear The Signs Down – it’s similar to the first two records but a lot more grown-up,” said the 24-year-old from Cardiff.

“We were only about 16 when we recorded the first album but now we’re in our mid-20s.

“So we’re not stuck at home living with our parents anymore and we’re not as angsty.

“We all live on our own now and we’re older so the album focuses more on the experiences we have now and the problems we come up against.”

The Cardiff-based four-piece released their second album, This Is a Fix, in summer 2008 which featured only one single, Steve McQueen.

Two years on, they are finally releasing the third album – but this time they are doing it on their own label Armoured Records.

Tear The Signs Down is produced by Richard Jackson who has also worked with fellow Welsh rockers The Super Furry Animals.

Iwan said: “It’s really exciting because it means we can play a bigger part in our own music.

“The songs are more rocky but still keeping all the big melodies.

“My favourite song on the album is called ‘Inside’ because it’s more experimental and we’ve had a lot of fun with it in the studio.

“We’ve been doing some warm-up gigs in London and it has been going down really well.”

The four-piece are playing in Leeds, York and Sheffield this month as part of the tour.

Iwan said: “It’s been absolutely ages since we’ve been on a good long proper tour.

You forget how big Yorkshire is, it’s a big place.

“Playing in Leeds last time was pretty cool – the crowd were really up for it.

“When you play a gig you want to get a fun sound that people can enjoy – not something all dreary.”

As well as songs off the new album, the four-piece will also play more well-known hits Monster, Raoul and Steve McQueen.

This time, they’ll be with new band member Paul Mullen, from Sunderland, who replaced keyboard player and original band member Alex Pennie.

Iwan said: “Alex wasn’t very happy in the band and we had all grown apart.

“We started out pretty young and went to school together.

“We’ve done a lot of growing up and have come out as different people.

“He just wasn’t enjoying playing in the band anymore so he left.”

Joining Iwan on drums is Mullen, guitarist and backing vocalist James Frost and singer/bass/synth player Robin Hawkins.