French electro legends Daft Punk have confirmed that they are to release a new album this Spring. The new record, which will be their fourth, is to be their first release on Sony-owned Columbia with whom they signed after leaving Virgin which had been their home since 1996.

Daft Punk's most recent album, save for the original soundtrack to Tron: Legacy, was 2005's Human After All but it was 1997's Homework and 2001's Discovery which catapulted the band into stardom.

Inevitable questions will now be raised as to touring schedules, with many people expecting to see their name on the Coachella bill but it is believed that their first gig of any proposed tour will be on French soil.

This, coupled with the news that Phoenix have a record coming out shortly too, means that 2013 is set to be an excellent year for French music. Bonne surprise!