The Strokes' Julian Casablancas says he never acted like a control freak over his bandmates.

The US group have been on hiatus since 2006 while each member embarks on alternative projects.

However, the band recently reconvened in the studio to begin work on the follow-up to 'First Impressions Of Earth'.

In an interview with The Observer, Casablancas admitted he was a “a bit of a perfectionist”, but insisted The Strokes' approach to music had changed

“With the Strokes now it's... in a minute it'll be about everything being great, but this second, it's about everyone being happy,” he said.

“If we can get to that point, I think the rest will fall into place."

When asked when he thought that might happen, Casablancas replied: "It felt super-duper close... then it was postponed again, not by me.

“It's going to be great, it's just: to get everyone back, in the same spot, and feeling good, is tricky. But we're working on it."

Casablancas is promoting his debut solo album 'Phrazes For The Young', which is released on October 19.

(by Jason Gregory)