"We kept digging and trying to see what we could come up with.
"This is the first time we've worked with other people, it's always been a very insular process for us. We kind of let the reins go a little. Every time we wrote with someone else we learnt something, but then you're like, 'Hang on. Does this sound like The Temper Trap?' and then you kind of have to Temper-fy it."
Between touring off the back of their two previous Aria Award-winning albums, the band travelled all over to work with writers and producers in the United States, Canada, London and France.
They eventually recorded Thick as Thieves with Canadian producer Damien Taylor who has worked with the likes of Bjork, The Killers and Arcade Fire.
Best known for their songs Sweet Disposition, Love Lost and Trembling Hands, the band gave fans a taste of the new album this week, with the single Fall Together - and so far, the response has been positive.
"They've been patient with us actually," Aherne says of their fans.
"We wanted to make sure we got it right, but even some of my friends were like, 'What are you guys doing? Come on, put out a record.' So it's finally here."
"We're really excited to share new music with people. We try to give it our all on stage and if people come along, they'll hear some of that energy, and see it as well."
What: Temper Trap's free iHeartRadio show with 2degrees
Where and when: Powerstation, Auckland on May 9
Win: Enter at iheartradio.co.nz or 2degreesperks.co.nz to win tickets.
Listen: New album Thick as Thieves, out June 10.
