The release of the The Strokes' new single, which they made available yesterday (February 9) as a free digital download, was so popular that it crashed their official website. 

'Under Cover of Darkness' is the first single from the band for a considerable period of time and guitarist Albert Hammond explained their new sound to Radio 1's Zane Lowe in response to being asked if The Strokes has entered a new era:

"I would be completely shocked if it wasn't."

"I see us completely making music together. I see us doing a world tour in balance with a new record.

"We're going to tour."

Hammond also addressed the band's five year musical hiatus and said that the break made them appreciate what they have even more now:

"All of that, if anything, gave you perspective on what I find so beautiful about The Strokes.

"It really is something bigger than one person - a combination of things which couldn't happen without us.

"I would say even more so. I was playing the new album to a friend this morning and they said, 'It makes me want to dance'."

Listen to the full track below: