After much fevered speculation and rumour, it has been confirmed that Sonic Youth have signed a deal with Matador Records, with a new album due on the independent label in 2009. Cue all sorts of humpbacked boys in ripped jeans to enthuse that they're "selling in".

A statement from the band reads, "Having fulfilled their contractual obligations to the Universal Music Group, Sonic Youth recently reached an agreement with Matador to release the band's 16th album of new material in all worldwide territories, except for Japan.

"For Matador, the opportunity to work in partnership with a group who've made such an profound impact on their roster/hometown/collective consciousness was one to jump at. Kim Gordon, Thurston Moore, Lee Ranaldo and Steve Shelley will commence recording the new Sonic Youth LP/CD this autumn and we look forward to sharing further details in the very near future."