REM are set to resume work on a new album before the end of 2006.
The rock legends have been lying low since their 'Around The Sun' world tour ended in London last July.
Now drummer Bill Rieflin has disclosed that they want to get back in the studio.
The three founding members of REM still in the group - Peter Buck, Michael Stipe and Mike Mills - have reconvened twice in the last year with former drummer Bill Berry to play a seven-song set at a friend's wedding in October 2004, while last month they played one song after a performance by Buck's side project The Minus 5.