A rhythm section in their early-30s, a frontman in his 40s and two old blokes playing guitar like they're still teenagers. It's not the most standard dynamic for a rock'n'roll band, but The Angels have never portrayed themselves as normal, and as founding member John Brewster admits, their current build is helping the Oz legends communicate with different generations better than ever.

“You've got to have five guys who want to be there,” he enthuses. “The thing is, it has to be 100 per cent, that want to be there, that vibe for it. It sounds like I'm in The Castle doesn't it? 'It's the vibe of the thing!' But you know what, that's a great expression because it's true, and that's what's going on with The Angels these days.”

The band are back with Talk The Talk, their second record since the departure of former frontman Doc Neeson and their first since the passing of Chris Bailey. Before his death, however, the bassist managed to push through the pain brought on by throat cancer to play with The Angels during the first studio sessions. You'll hear Bailey's notes on five of Talk the Talk's 12 tracks.

“To lose Chris was a hell of a blow but I'm so excited that he managed to come into the studio – it wasn't easy for him because he was struggling – but he sat in his chair with his bass and did what he's always done, which is play the best bass imaginable,” smiles Brewster. “He's an incredible player with a wonderful track record – he was a fighter to the end and to have him on this album is pretty special for us.”

Current vocalist Dave Gleeson also put his stamp on The Angels latest offering. Best known for his work with The Screaming Jets, Gleeson – a long-time fan of the band who grew up trying to emulate his rock idols – was an active creative part of Talk The Talk, with Brewster showering praise on the wild man, calling his delivery “flawless” and admitting that they “could've used every first take”.

“This album is about this band, and Dave's been very much a part of it creatively. I think four or five songs are his melodies and lyrics to our music, and that's a great collaboration. The same goes for [drummer] Nick Norton, he's written songs on this album, my son Sam [bass] has written one song, and no doubt he'll write more – he'll probably take over if I know him,” he laughs.

Going into the studio is akin to entering the great unknown – that's the thing about making records. And it's that spontaneity on Talk The Talk which Brewster loves, admitting he thinks it's one of The Angels finest outings. “It's always easy to say that when you're releasing something new,” he shrugs, “but I can tell ya I absolutely mean it and I'm not alone, we all feel the same way, we just think it's one of the best things we've ever done.”