Having gleefully perfected their own hybrid version of Manchester dance-rock, UK young guns Friendly Fires are sealing the deal with their second album, lining up legendary DJ and producer Andrew Weatherall – he who helmed Primal Scream’s still-kicking Screamadelica record – to produce the band’s sophomore LP.

According to a news item from NME, Weatherall will join another lauded production hand in Paul Epworth for the album which has the confirmed title of Pala and was recorded in a secluded French cottage.

“I just kept working, all day and into the night,” Friendly Fires singer Ed Macfarlane said of the rigorous production process. “After three weeks I was getting cabin fever but I had to focus, because the songs needed to get written. Did I feel under pressure from the rest of the band? Yeah, just a bit.”

As well as Weatherall and Epworth, Pala will feature a guest-spot from Holy Ghost! mainstay Alex Frankel in an un-announced capacity. Trainspotters will recall that the two bands have worked together in the past, trading cover versions of each other’s song for a split vinyl release.

Suss out the Friendly Fires cover of Hold On below and catch the band previewing Pala on the Good Vibrations festival tour.