January 31, 2003 10:32

HELLO SUNSHINE! Radiohead Tickets

Ed O' Brien claims they have started to "swagger"...

Photo Gallery: Radiohead

RADIOHEAD's "self-assured" new album is a culmination of the best aspects of their last four records.

The record, the group's sixth, is due for mid-June, with working titles '2+2=5' and 'Are You Listening'. Recording is now complete, although sessions on the record are expected to continue until at least mid-February.

O'Brien revealed that the atmosphere in the band is "fucking brilliant" compared to the frosty recording sessions for their last two albums 'Kid A' and 'Amnesiac, and that the new songs contain "space and sunshine and energy".

He commented: "You know that time when bands begin to swagger, like when the Stones got in a grove from '68 to '73? In the last two years, I think we've done that. To me, this record feels like the culmination of the best bits of 'The Bends', 'OK Computer', 'Kid A' and 'Amnesiac'.

Speaking to Q, drummer Phil Selway added: "I don't think we've ever felt so self assured in the studio. This time no shit hit the fan. And Thom's voice has been incredible. That's the stand out element for me. He's reminded us that he's in a league of his own."

Radiohead are strongly rumoured to be playing at this year's Glastonbury festival, while internet sources claim a slot at the Coachella festival in the US this Spring is also a possibility.