The Offspring getting close to finishing new album

The Offspring frontman Dexter Holland has issued the following update via the band's official website:

"Working hard, it's just taking awhile to get everything right. Every new part you record, you're trying out different stuff to get just the right guitar, microphone, amp, whatever...I can tell you though, the couple songs we just finished sound like a friggin' freight train...trying to get finished recording in the next month or so we'll keep you posted."

The still-untitled new album is their follow-up to 2003's Splinter and is expected in 2007 release via Columbia Records. It will mark the very first proper studio album recorded with drummer Atom Willard, who is the replacement of former member Ron Welty.

The band plans to play Japan in August, appearing at the Summer Sonic Festival on the 11th and 12th alongside bands like Sum 41, Avenged Sevenfold, Bloc Party, Interpol, and of course Cyndi Lauper.

Rancid to return to the studio in January 2008

Rancid has posted an update on the progress towards their long-awaited new album. The band's newest addition, drummer Branden Steineckert, explained:

"A lot of people have been asking me about the new Rancid record. Here's what's planned right now. We are getting together this Fall to begin writing the new record with plans to record it Jan 08. Check out the Rancid myspace or rancidrancid.com for official updates and band info. Meanwhile pick up Tim Armstrongs solo record "A Poets Life"....it will give you what you need til then."

The legendary East Bay punk rockers have not released any new material since 2003's Indestructible. The band went on an unofficial hiatus in 2004 while all members were busy concentrating on their own project. They did, however, reunite last year to embark on a successful tour before their original drummer Brett Reed left the band and then Used drummer Steineckert replaced him.

Frontman Tim Armstrong recently issued his solo full length, A Poet’s Life.