The forthcoming album by Babyshambles side project Helsinki is set to feature a cast that includes Strokes guitarist Albert Hammond Jr.
Formed by bassist Drew McConnell, the Helsinki project comes when Babyshambles are enjoying some downtime. Lead singer Pete Doherty is due to release a solo album, while drummer Adam Ficek has been recording under the name Roses Kings Castles.
Helsink will feature a revolving cast including The Strokes’ Albert Hammond, Jr., Fionn Regan and Kid Harpoon among others. The group are to release a twelve track album, with ten songs already recorded.
Drew McConnell told the NME “Helsinki is an entity that came into being unwittingly, a cloud of friends who at many points over the last two years found ourselves gigging and recording a handful of my songs for disparate reasons, ranging from charity endeavours to just finding ourselves in the same city with a few days to kill with itchy fingers.”
The Strokes are reportedly rehearsing and preparing new material, with a view to start recording at the end of the year. Albert Hammond Jr’s contribution will mark the end of a solo phase for the guitarist, who released a solo album in 2008.
Helsinki will release their debut album later this year.
