The National have revealed that they were going to call their new album 'Summer Lovin' Torture Party' until they eventually saw sense and ditched it.

Baritone singer Matt Berninger told Pitchfork that the band were 75% finished recording the album, which is expected for release in May.

Asked if they had a title yet, Berninger responded: “No, it doesn't. We've been kicking around ideas. Every time we have an idea for a title, it lasts a few days and then we realize how bad it is.

“Not long ago, we were calling it Summer Lovin' Torture Party. Thankfully, we realized that's just a stupid title. So right now, it's still untitled.”

Berninger added that tentative track names include 'Love Buzz, Ohio', 'L.A. Cathedral', 'Romantic Comedy', 'Quiet Company' and 'Runaway'.

As previously reported, The National play a very special one-off show at the Royal Albert Hall in London on May 6th.

(by Scott Colothan)