They will perform their latest album Strength In Numbers at next month's Big O Tour at Monash University in Clayton.

Speaking to the Journal last week, bassist Stuart Coleman said finding passion in music again had been a "lifesaver".

Bursting onto the scene at 18, the group members were branded as the one of the "best live acts of the early 21st century".

Better known for their chart-topping singles The People and Take the Long Road and Walk It, expectations were high for their second album Welcome To The North. Ultimately unsatisfied with it, the group was absent from the music scene for a number of years as lead singer and guitarist Robert Harvey battled an addiction to drugs and alcohol.

Their latest album, released last year, has been acclaimed as a return to the 'hunger and devotion' which first brought them to fame. Coleman said he was just happy to be writing again.

"It got to a place where we didn't want to do it any more.

"We've been through a hell of a lot and I think we're a lot tighter now that we know the kind of music we want to write and we're just really good friends again. It's nice to evolve to a place where we're all really comfortable again."

Music sales worldwide have suffered a blow from illegal downloading and file sharing but the scene has survived due to true fans who would still spend money on a well-made album, Coleman said.

"The best thing to do obviously is write a really good album and the people who really love music will go out and buy it."

The Big O Tour is on February 26 at Monash University's Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton.

Details: www.thebigotour.com