according to Silverchair manager john watson.the new record(which is as yet untitled) is "definitely a step forward from their last album,'freakshow',in the same way as that album was a step forward from the band's debut,'frogstomp'.

"it's hard to put into words how it'll sound at the moment. but its definitely going to retain that organic guitar approach."

the album is actually being recorded in three stages in australia. much of the recording is taking place at sydney's festival studios,while the vocals and guitars will be done in gosford,new south wales,before the trio and launay return to sydney for the mixing stage.

the album is likely to feature 14 tracks,although no song titles have yet progressed beyond the joke stage.and jane scarpantoni,the woman responsible for the string arrangements on the track 'cemetery' from 'freakshow',has apparantly been roped in to help on a number of songs.

expect the album to hit the shops early next year,with a major world tour to follow.