Gang of Four working on new songs

NEW YORK (Billboard) - It's been more than 15 years since the original lineup of groundbreaking British rock act Gang of Four has released new material, but the foursome has been busy again.

The crew has been recording in guitarist Andy Gill's London studio on and off to complete a set for self-release this year.

"We're doing what bands ought to be doing. We're writing. This time, there's no label, no advice of the A&R and marketing folk," bassist Dave Allen said. "We might be releasing the first single or four songs for free on the Internet, or on vinyl, or both, and just see what the marketplace is like. We're trying to energize the base, and we know that we're dealing with an enormous group of new and younger fans."

Drummer Hugo Burnham is sitting out the sessions because of unnamed health issues. "Hugo's still involved in some ways, but it's a very personal issue that will be discussed at a later date," Allen said.

Reuters/Billboard