In a message on the band's website, Interpol said they had been surprised by the “tremendous focus” they had shown during early rehearsals for their fourth record.

"All kidding aside, we feel like a new band. Once again, we have no concept to this batch of songwriting," they wrote.

"There is rarely any intention to this process. We just make the music. And without going into too much detail, the songs sound vital.

"It's as though we've hit upon a balance between our urgency and our calm. And true to our better work, this is music that unravels over time.”

The band added that they would keep fans posted on the album's progress. Interpol's last record, 'Our Love To Admire', was released in 2007.

(by Jason Gregory)