He tells Rock Sound TV: "It feels like a definite progression. I wouldn't say it's an insane departure or anything like that - we haven't gone completely the other way and tried all kinds of new things.

"We've certainly tried some new things, but I don't think it's necessarily going to alienate anyone or push people away that loved the last record. There's a lot of stuff that's in line with Don't Panic but there's a lot of stuff that's a logical next step from it, too."

The band are heading out on a co-headlining tour with You Me At Six across the UK in February and Gaskarth says there will be friendly competition between the bands as neither of them want to be seen as the underdog.

He continues: "It's a co-headliner, so it's not just our show. Another big part of it that's going to keep it fun is the friendly competition we'll have back and forth with the guys in You Me At Six.