Strokes Recording New Album in Absence of Julian Casablancas

Julian Casablancas has revealed the Strokes are recording their new album without him being around in the studio.

In an interview with ABC News, the frontman explained he was leaving his bandmates to work on music for the follow-up to 2006's 'First Impressions of Earth,' aiming to add vocals later to stop interfering with the music.

"I think they did a good job just tracking the songs," he said. "It's been nice to get my hands on it."

Casablancas added, "I'm pretty opinionated. I'm not saying pushy to the point of it's my way or no way, but ... if I wasn't in the room, they could try and spread their own wings."

Asked about the direction of their new work, he replied, "I think it sounds more like the last record, but I think I might try and funk it up a little." Previously, as reported on Spinner, Casablancas divulged he thought their fourth album should sound like Thin Lizzy and A-ha.

With the Strokes set to make their live return by headlining Saturday at the Isle Of Wight Festival on June 12, their singer admitted they were swayed by cash: "The offers were so crazy that we had to say yes."

Meanwhile, the other members of the group have filmed themselves in the studio for their official Web site.