WHEN JJ72 released their debut album in 2000, main man Mark Greaney already sounded wiser than his 20 years and teenage looks would suggest.

The album went on to spawn a trio of hit singles -- Oxygen, October Swimmer and Snow -- but, although it sold 500,000 copies, it split the critics down the middle.

"The first album had a black cover and, because of the lyrics I write and because I like to wear black clothes, people thought we were miserable.

"We were, perhaps, too eager in the way we wanted to be portrayed," reflected Mark.

"It put a bit of a smokescreen in front of the music."

But now joined by bassist Hilary Woods and drummer Feargal Matthews, the band are definitely more relaxed -- and with good reason.

With their new album, I To Sky, ready for release the Dublin trio have created a record that delivers much of the promise of their earlier work.

Mark said: "I think this album is optimistic and very uplifting.

"I wanted to take something personal and try and make it universal."

"I did write lyrics with other people in mind, not because I wanted to fill huge arenas -- well I do -- but because I want to leave something behind that has substance to it, not just a rant and a moan," he stressed.

"Maybe I've matured a little but I've understood it's important to make music with the idea of comforting people -- not solving their problems but making them a little easier."

Indeed, on tracks like Formulae, the album's first single, and the soothing Brother Sleep, JJ72 articulate the spiritual yearning of our secular age.

Mark openly admits there is a lot of religious imagery in the album and won't hide from the fact.

He said: "Many people steer clear of writing about religion but it has always shaped the world, especially over the last year, so it's very important for young people not to run away from that."

Producer Flood and mixer Alan Moulde -- famed for their work with U2, Smashing Pumpkins and Depeche Mode -- lived up to the singer's "dream team" expectations.

He enthused: "What makes Flood a great producer is that he listens not only to what you're playing but also to what you're talking about."

He added: "I didn't want to make music that slaps you in the face.

"I want to make music that creeps up on you -- music that caresses the soul while respecting its complexities."

Having been away from the live arena for a while, the band are desperate for their return to the stage.

With high expectations of their forthcoming tour, the singer said: "I hope to play gigs where every single person in the audience feels the music has been written for them."

But will the new album infiltrate the mainstream?

"I see us a pop band really," said Mark.

"The way I talk about our music may sound like I have aspirations above my station.

"But I hope people can put that aside when they hear us and at the very least say that's a very good tune."

JJ72 play at Manchester Academy on Saturday, October 19 and at the Lancaster Sugarhouse on Sunday, October 27