"We started playing together a couple of years ago now," Yetton recalls,"songs just started to crop up, and ideas we'd muck around with developed into songs...Neil Finn invited us to go on tour with him, and so we did. And at that point he offered us the use of his studio."

How was it recording in Finn's new Roundhead studios, I ask.
"It was really good, just really relaxed, which is what you want a studio to be. It meant we could record the way that felt appropriate to the band which was just at our won pace, not having to do that horrible thing of watching the clock to see how many hundreds of dollars you've wasted."

I suggest to Yetton that 'Brand New' is more contented, maybe mellower than its predecessor.
"We didn't go into [recording] with a definite vision of what the record would be," he defers, "it just took its own shape. And so if it's a little more sedate then obviously that was the feeling at the time...We're not an in-your face band. We're certainly not a high-energy band. I think we're much more a low-key thing.
"It's not rock music. It's not testosterone-fuelled angst music. I mean, I think our songs are quite sensitive, a little bit sissy...I like the idea of someone having a little cry because they listened to the record, y'know?"

The Stereo Bus lads describe their music as Sissy Pop, and Yetton hastens to differentiate the band from their rock contemporaries.
"Basically, it's pop songs that we write, that we're putting into quite a textural setting. Lots of layers of guitars...someone said the other day it was like a blanket of guitars. Or a mattress of guitars. I kind of like that."

So, if they're not in it for the money, what's The Stereo Bus' modus operandi, Mr Yetton? What's the band all about?
"When we're playing in the practise room or live, everything just gels and you get a complete shiver down your spine...often when I'm playing I close my eyes and if it's good it sort of transports me places that I've been, incredible natural vistas that really are awe-inspiring," he smiles, "that's as good as it gets."

Speaking of the band, guitarist Jason is one of the hosts of television's What Now. Has he been instrumental in luring that lucrative 7-12s market?
"Not at all! No, it's been quite amusing really...we just make sure we don't go certain places with him. if we go to a family restaurant or happen to stop at a shopping mall to buy something while we're touring we've got to really watch it.
"Obviously, we forget. And we're reminded again when some little kid drops their icecream with amazement as Jason walks past."
You've been in a few bands yourself, Dave. Do you find yourself getting recognised in the street?
"Not from twelve year olds, I don't!" he laughs, "I got a shock the other day, when I was down at the Birkenhead mall, and I was feeling particularly shabby that day and the next thing I know there's these high school girls wanting my autograph!"

Dave's canine companion Fish was this year nominated for the B-net 'Fox of the Year' award (despite being more huntaway than vulpine by extraction). I jokingly suggest to Dave that she is merely capitalising on the fame of Superette's band dog Rosepig.
"Fish is her own dog, and she's very much an individual. I don't think she's capitalising. She's got her own attributes, actually..."
Well then, miss Fish. When can we expect the solo album?
"Sooner than you might think, actually," Dave deadpans, "we've been working on some material together recently...I think it may well happen. It'll be huge when it does, as well."