Strokes take rest of year off

Rockers The Strokes are taking time off to recuperate for at least the rest of the year.

The New York band has decided to concentrate on side projects, including guitarist Albert Hammond Jr.'s solo tour.

A message posted on internet site MySpace 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."