Fratellis Split for the Time Being

It appears to be curtains for the Fratellis -- for quite some time at any rate. Both frontman John Lawler and bassist Barry Wallace have posted messages on their official forum saying they are unlikely to record together at least "for a while."

In his post, Lawler suggests the Scottish indie-rockers are on hiatus. "We have no plans to work together right now," he writes. "Sometimes things just work out that way. Mince, Baz and I are working on music but not with each other for a while."

On his Twitter page, he explained the situation further, saying, "If someone asked you if you fancy some scrambled eggs and you replied, 'Not just now," that doesn't mean you'll never fancy them, does it?"

His bandmate Wallace, though, reminisced about the Fratellis' success on their website. "From the very first day we got together, the Fratellis never had a plan as such, we knew we were good, we knew we had a chance to make it," he said, before adding, "At this particular point in time though, we've found ourselves making music still but just not together. This is just the way it goes, I suppose, sometimes."

As fans mourned the band's apparent passing on the forum, Lawler appeared to backtrack, posting the comment, "I haven't split from anyone!"

However, he continues to pursue his Codeine Velvet Club project with singer Lou Hickey, having just released their debut eponymous album in the US on April 6, with UK festival dates to come over the summer.

Guitarist and occasional banjo player Mince -- born Gordon McRory -- meanwhile has joined metal band Throne O'Diablo, while Wallace is involved in a new project that he has yet to unveil.