IT has been five years since The Stranglers' last studio album and 13 years since they were signed with a major label but, at last, the new album Norfolk Coast is finished and set for release on Monday, February 16.

The Stranglers have spent the best part of the last two years at their studios in the West Country, writing the 11 tracks that comprise this new musical compilation.

The album travels through high speed rock, with driving rhythms, anthemic melodies and occasional, off-the-wall quirkiness.

Norfolk Coast is co-produced by ex-Ruts drummer Dave Ruffy and Mark Wallis.

"From the very first meeting with the band I could see how dedicated they all were to making a new and contemporary album, but with all the classic Stranglers' musical trademarks shining proudly," said Mark.

"It's been really exciting working with a band I first heard in 1976 and who were part of the musical movement that gave me the confidence to follow my own dream of doing music for a living, which I've been doing ever since."

Over the past year The Stranglers have played to a series of sell-out audiences

and festival crowds, both at home and abroad.

The Stranglers have their core original members Jean Jacques Burnel on bass, Dave Greenfield on keyboards, and Jet Black on the drum kit.

Vocalist Paul Roberts has been fronting the band for 12 years and Baz Warne has been the band's guitarist since 2000.

Catch the band live at The Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton, on Friday, March 5.

Tickets priced at £16.50 are available from Midland Box Office on 01902 55212 and online www.wolvescivic.co.uk