When progressive rockers COG called it a day in late 2010, they were seemingly at the peak of their powers.
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The Bondi-based trio's albums were charting highly and winning rave reviews, and shows were selling out.
However, looking back now, bassist Luke Gower said the "hiatus", which lasted several years, was a much-needed breather.
"There was probably a need for a break (after) being in each other's pockets for close to 15 years," he said.
"Kids and stuff like that came into the picture, and we needed to have a break and get the juices flowing again."
The band reconvened a few years ago, and according to the bassist "it's better than it has ever been".
"It's good to step outside the machine, and get a different perspective," he said.
"Because when you're in it you don't see certain things, and you just get trapped in it."
Flynn Gower (vocals/guitar) and Lucius Borich (drums), have been playing together since 1998; the two soon enlisted Flynn's brother Luke to play bass.
The members are now based within about 50km of each other on the NSW North Coast.
Since reforming they've been been touring and released a few singles - the latest being Drawn Together.
However, Luke said when they initially reformed, writing new material wasn't part of the conversation.
"It was just getting back together and playing some shows, and then we'd see what would happen after that," he said.
"Now two years have passed, and we've recorded a few songs."
Although they have further new material in the pipeline, the altered music industry climate, as well as finances, time constraints and their respective schedules means they don't plan to release another full-length album at this stage.
"I think our lives have changed so much, and the industry (has changed), how people purchase music.
"They still buy albums, but it seems like for the most part if they like a song, they go and purchase the song, or stream it.
"So it seems like for us, and the time that we've got to work on COG, it seems to suit us to work on a song, get it recorded and then release it at the moment. That's all we're doing."
After their current Australian tour, the group will return to Europe and the UK in March following an 11-year gap between visits.
"It's always exciting, the prospect of playing in new areas to new people, and sowing the seeds so to speak," the bassist said.
"It was almost like our ethos when we first started, was just getting out there and playing live.
"This will be getting right back to that stripped-back thing where you don't have much - you have 45 minutes to entertain people to the best of your ability."
COG will perform at Waves, Towradgi Beach Hotel on Saturday, March 2.