Arctics' third album for 2008 release?

Arctic Monkeys have already made headway with their third album and are expecting it to be released before the end of the year, say reports.

According to the Daily Star, the Sheffield band decided to attend the Brit Awards for the first time last month because they were already in the capital recording the follow-up to 2007's Favourite Worst Nightmare.

"A lot of people were surprised to see Arctics at the Brits as it’s usually the kind of event they steer clear of," said a source.

"The reason they went is because they’ve been down in London working on new material and fancied a night off to relax.

"Alex [Turner] is overflowing with song ideas and it’s all going so well they’re looking at releasing an album this year. The mood in the Monkeys’ camp is very vibrant"

Turner is currently promoting his side-project The Last Shadow Puppets with The Rascals' Miles Kane.

Their debut single 'The Age Of The Understatement' is released on April 14.