Manic Street Preachers are reportedly recording two new albums.

Frontman James Dean Bradfield revealed the news to reporters at the Ivor Novello Awards in London on Thursday (May 16), and let slip that the first LP will be almost completely acoustic.

Speaking to the Daily Star, he said: “We’ve virtually finished the first, which is acoustic. There’s only one song with electric guitar on the album, but it’s not bongos round the campfire. The acoustic album has a soul vibe, with Rolling Stones-style horns. The first single is very positive, but there are darker moments too.”

Bradfield also said that the acoustic record would feature Richard Hawley, while the second album would be “more aggressive and experimental”. The band recently revealed that they are working on a new song called ‘Four Lonely Roads’ with folk singer Cate Le Bon.

Earlier this month, Manic Street Preachers announced plans for a series of concerts in Australia in conjunction with British & Irish Lions tour in the summer. The band lined up shows in Melbourne and Sydney in June so they can watch the team take on Australia. They will also travel to Auckland, New Zealand, during a break between games. The Welsh trio made the decision after they heard the news that 15 Welsh players will be among the 37-man squad for the 10-match tour.

The Manics are also due to play Festival No 6 at the village of Portmeirion in North Wales over the weekend of September 13-15. Other acts on the bill include Neon Neon, James Blake, Everything Everything, Jagwar Ma, Temples and Aluna George.