Crown jewels rev up Robbie

ROBBIE Williams’ comeback album is being steered by two unknown Australian songwriters.

Melbourne musicians Flynn Francis and Tim Metcalfe, both 24, co-wrote seven tracks on Williams’ new album, Take The Crown.

‘‘They’re two young spunks from Melbourne,’’ Williams said yesterday.

‘‘They’re amazing, really talented songwriters. Completely and utterly delusional, full of ego, they remind me of someone I used to know when I was their age. They’ve got the sort of delusion and ego that they could take over the world. I love the lads. I love them to bits.’’

The pair are in a band called Undercolours.

Both live with their parents while studying at university.

During one of their many trips to LA to do intern work at recording studios, the pair met Williams’ brother-in-law, who played the pop star their songs.

Back home in Melbourne, Williams began emailing the pair and summoned them to LA to write with him last October.

‘‘Tim and I got on a plane to LA not sure if it was a dream or a bad joke,’’ Francis said yesterday. ‘‘But Rob loved what we were doing. We became really good mates.’’

The first trip went so well they returned in November.

‘‘He’s incredibly inspirational to be around and learn from. He knows what he wants,’’ Francis said.

Francis and Metcalfe will fly to London next month to see the pop star’s comeback show.

‘‘It’ll be incredible to hear our songs played live,’’ Francis said. ‘‘But it won’t feel real until I have the actual CD in my hand.’’