Following rumours that Ash were calling it a day, the band have now issued a statement denying they are to split - but they've also revealed some interesting news regarding how the group will operate in future.

Ash have confirmed that Twilight Of The Innocents will be their final album, but they will continue to release singles as online digital downloads.

The trio own their own studio, which means they can release music almost as instantly as it is recorded via digital stores, as opposed to waiting months for physical formats to reach shops.

Although fans who prefer physical formats shouldn't fear too much, as the three-piece plan on periodically releasing compilation CDs featuring the singles.

Speaking of their plans, Ash front man Tim Wheeler says: "The way people listen to music has changed, with the advent of the download the emphasis has reverted to single tracks. It hasn't helped that most people have forgotten how to make a decent album. I'm constantly disappointed with records I buy."

"I believe our new album is the pinnacle of everything we've done thus far, and I'm proud that this will be remembered as our last album. The future lies elsewhere and we can have a lot of fun by changing things up. It's like the Wild West at the moment, a time to take chances and try out new ideas."

"We've been one of the best singles bands of the last two decades and we're still younger than a lot of bands on the current scene. I'm excited to push this claim further by dedicating ourselves wholly to the art of the single for the digital age."

Ash release their next single Polaris on June 18th, with Twilight of the Innocents following on July 2nd. The trio will also play the following dates next month:

July Tour Dates:

3rd - London Koko
4th - London Koko
5th - London Koko
6th - London Koko