The Libertines are trying to make "surprisingly upbeat" music.
The band - featuring Carl Barat, Pete Doherty, John Hassall and Gary Powell - have started working on new material which will be their first since their second eponymous album in 2004, with Carl admitting although they are hoping to create a positive sound.
He explained: "The Libertines have always been about anthems to doomed youth.
"I'm not entirely sure how happy the new songs will be lyrically, but the message is strong in the new songs. It's doomed youth overcoming hardships with optimism."
However, the 36-year-old co-frontman confessed he is always unsure about the band's plans because they tend to go wrong, with the band's fate partly depending on whether Pete is able to stay off drugs following his month-long stint at a rehabilitation facility in Thailand.
He said: "You can't make plans with The Libertines, because they usually go wrong.
"I'm seeing Pete in Thailand again soon, but everything in the band has to be taken step-by-step. The new album has to be the right record, and we don't want to rush it."
The 'Can't Stand Me Now' rocker is also feeling slightly stressed about the thought of a third album because they have signed a deal with record label Virgin EMI which he is scared they might not deliver on.
Speaking about the record deal, he told February's issue of Loaded magazine: "I'm not thinking about all that pressure.
"That's bonus depression, and I don't need that. It's there in the background and I get the occasional moment of terror, but I try to play it down."
The 250th celebratory issue of Loaded - which features Kasabian on the cover - is available to buy in both print and digital formats now.
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