Portishead hope to release their fourth studio album by the end of next year, says Geoff Barrow.

The 37-year-old instrumentalist/producer said they have already been talking about new ideas and hope hit the recording studio soon.

He told BBC6music: "We're going to start writing and if all goes well it could be (out) in a year's time. That would be the most perfect thing to do."

If the record materialises it will be released just three years after 'Third' – swift work for a band who took 11 years to follow up 1997's 'Portishead'.

Barrow went on to reveal to the Beeb that Portishead aren't currently tied to a record contract and have spoke to various labels about the best way to release any potential material.

However, he dismissed the idea of Portishead forming their own imprint, joking: "It would be a complete nightmare. It would end in a nervous breakdown!”

Barrow's side project BEAK> release their album through Invada Records on October 19.

(by Scott Colothan)