The Strokes to take the year off

The Strokes are taking time off and will not release anything in 2007, according to a bulletin posted by the band via MySpace.

The band’s last album, ‘First Impressions Of Earth’, came out in January 2006, followed by a period of extensive touring. And according to the post, the group aren’t planning any activity until 2008 at the earliest.

The message reads: "The band are still enjoying some much needed ‘off time’. I wouldn't expect anything to come out this year."

"In the meantime, they are staying busy pursuing some other personal interests and are busy working/writing/rehearsing and all those things bands do in between albums. But, there are no immediate plans to release an album or tour for the time being."

Some members of the band have been keeping themselves busy – frontman Julian Casablancas performs guest vocals on the new Queens Of The Stone Age album ‘Era Vulgaris’, while Albert Hammond, Jr.’s solo touring plans include a headline slot on the Carling Stage at this year’s Carling Weekend: Reading and Leeds festivals.