In late 2008, rollicking four-piece The Vines cancelled all upcoming tour commitments in the interest of Craig Nicholls’ mental health. The band had just come off a nationwide circuit that saw them in exhilarating form, but the touring miles took their toll on the frontman. Since extending their “”sincerest apologies””:http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/news/local/15801/The-Vines-cancel-shows.htm, The Vines went silent.

Speaking to FasterLouder this week, skinsman Hamish Rosser revealed the guys are back in the studio. Our interviewer Daniel Herborn reports: “The Vines are also meeting regularly now and working on new material, with a couple of songs already at rough demo stage.

“While the band playing any shows in 2009 is an unlikely prospect, they hope to be back in the studio by year’s end, with a return to the live arena on the cards early next year.”

Stay tuned to FasterLouder for the full interview with Hamish about his new beer venture Skinny Blonde.