Maximo Park have at least twenty songs in consideration for their third album, according to frontman Paul Smith.

The as-yet-untitled album, the follow-up to 2007's 'Our Earthly Pleasures', is expected early in 2009.

Speaking about the project, Smith todl the BBC that the band need to push themselves into a “weird space” before they head into the studio later this year.

Drummer Tom English added: "We've got a bit more room on the songs to play with and Lukas, our keyboard player, is starting to discover many more weird things he can do.

"We're gonna root around the percussion cupboard as well."

Maximo Park previewed one new song, entitled 'The Kids Are Sick Again', during their performances at the V Festival last weekend.

(by Jason Gregory)