The Nashville-based sextet SIXPENCE NONE THE RICHER answer some questions.

Sixpence None The Richer

Have all the delays in getting 'Divine Discontent' released been frustrating?

(Leigh Nash) It's been, at times, maddening and depressing. It's nice to be at the end of that now; something good happening makes the bad almost disappear.

What exactly is the meaning behind the title 'Divine Discontent'?

(Matt Slocum) A positive dis-ease, a restlessness leading to a doorway to something new and better. Without pain and other difficult situations, we tend not to grow and change for the good. A lot of songs we've recorded here have a fascination with the fact that God would strike you down, and then raise you back up. It's our attempt to make sense of some of the suffering.

You have been criticised in the past by the Christian music industry for going in a mainstream direction. How do you feel about this now with the new album being released?

(Leigh) We have a lot to say. We just need to be given a chance. We hope people will slow down, look at what we are doing and give us that chance. Criticism of "Kiss Me" and "There She Goes" felt a little premature to me. They're just singles, they're harmless. We have a lot more to say. We just hope the critics will chill out a bit and let us do what we need to do.

What inspires you to write songs that express your faith?

(Matt) The Psalms are so important, because they give us a poetic language for describing and interacting with God. He is the theme. All we can do is write variations and try to weave notes in between. We are trying to describe the realities for which adequate words and music simply do not exist - but we are stronger for having made the effort.

Doing a cover version of "Don't Dream It's Over" by Crowded House must have been a bit of a challenge.

(Matt) My first introduction to the inimitable and brilliant songwriting of Neil Finn was hearing "Don't Dream It's Over" on the radio in my early teens, and I became an instant Crowded House fan. In covering such a pop classic there is always the challenge of answering the question, "How can we possibly make this any better?" The challenge is especially difficult when the production lines of Mitchell Froom and Tchad Blake have crafted the arrangement and sonics on such a high level. Producers Rob Cavallo and Alan Sides came to the table and helped the band to deliver a version that I hope will make Neil proud. I think Leigh Nash's passionate vocal is what makes Sixpence's version ultimately unique, the phrasing and range of Neil's melody fit her voice perfectly.

Is it true that Sixpence None The Richer are supporting DATA?
(Debt, Aids And Trade In Africa)

(Matt) With success comes responsibility. We must use our resources to serve in our local and global communities. Through our involvement with DATA , Sixpence has the opportunity to join our small voice with others in raising awareness of the AIDS crisis in Africa.