Depression meant a long silence from the band

Matthews, 32, has had a hectic schedule promoting Catatonia's new album Paper Scissors Stone.

'Fighting fit'

She will now "take a step back from ongoing promotion" of the album, according to her record company Blanco y Negro / WEA.

The company added: "Cerys expects to be back fighting fit very soon."

The news comes only weeks after Matthews spoke of the "depression" which led to the singer losing her self-belief.

The problem led to an extended silence for the band until their latest release.

In an interview with Q magazine in June, Matthews spoke candidly of the strain of pop stardom and touring.

I'm spooked out by counsellors - anyone who looks too long in your eyes and tells you things about yourself

Cerys Matthews, Catatonia

The singer admitted to having suffered a breakdown last year after becoming "worn out" by the band being catapulted into the public eye.

"That doubt I'd felt grew, grew into times of doom and gloom," said Matthews.

The singer said the "turning point" happened at an arena concert when the band began a song and she could not remember the words. "The fear set in," she said.

"I've never in my whole life doubted me, doubted my part in this band, until that point.

"But when I thought of going on stage in front of our fans it was like going into an exam when you know you've done no revision."

Matthews said she dealt with it by leaving the UK and staying with friends in Los Angeles for a month.

Cerys: "I work hard and play hard"

"Maybe it was depression," she said.

"I haven't been to see anyone.

"I'm spooked out by counsellors - anyone who looks too long in your eyes and tells you things about yourself."

The star said she had worked and played hard and added she had been grateful to the other band members for being patient with her.

Catatonia's latest single, Stone By Stone, was relaesed on Monday.