New York indie icons The Strokes have hit the studio in order to record their long awaited fourth album.

Bursting out of New York with their ‘Modern Age’ EP in 2000, The Strokes could not have dreamed of the impact they would have on the following decade. Debut album ‘Is This It?’ sparked a thousand followers, causing an indie rock boom which is only just beginning to recede.

Releasing their third album ‘First Impressions Of Earth’ in 2005, The Strokes then decided to take a break. The New Yorkers embarked on a number of side projects, with Nikolai Fraiture even running the New York Marathon.

However it appears that getting started again is proving to be problematic. Recent interviews with Julian Casablancas have found the frontman despairing at the inactivity of his comrades in arms.

It seems that the singer’s concerns can now be put to rest. The Strokes have begun work on their fourth album in New York with Grammy award winning producer Joe Chiccarelli at the helm.

A statement on the band’s website confirmed the news, with The Strokes set to post video snippets from the studio soon.

Of course, The Strokes are set to return to the UK this summer, performing headline slots at the Isle Of Wight festival and Scotland’s spectacular RockNess event.

clashmusic.com 04/02/10