According to the most recent update from Kill Rock Stars, The Thermals will be heading into the studio this December to record their 5th album with Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie fame. Following the recording sessions, Walla will be mixing the album in January 2010. The yet to be titled album is currently scheduled for release on September 7, 2010 on Kill Rock Stars.

Fans of the band located in the Pacific northwest will have a few opportunities to see the band live this December:

12/11: Portland, OR @ Berbati’s Pan w/ Dirty Mittens and White Fang
12/12: Seattle, WA @ Neumo’s (KEXP Yule Benefit) w/ Cave Singers, The Builders and The Butchers
12/13: Seattle, WA @ Vera Project w/ Explode Into Colors, Dirty Mittens

And in case you can’t remember why you should care about a new release from The Thermals, here’s a few links for your listening pleasure:

• Now We Can See
• Here’s Your Future
• Pillar of Salt
• No Culture Icons