At the end of the day Cerys' health interests were the most important things to consider

Aled Richards

Four months on and drummer Aled Richards has said the band, without Matthews, are back in the studio looking to secure a record deal.

Catatonia released four albums and had a string of singles hits in the 1990s but as a band they were always most closely identified through Matthews.

'Carry on'

"We are playing it by ear and there are no definite plans," Richards told BBC News Online.

"There was life before Cerys and there will be afterwards.

"It is something we have always done and we shall carry on regardless."

Matthews' health problems forced the band to cancel a promotion tour in support of their last album, Paper Scissors Stone, in 2001.

A planned eight-date tour in July was re-scheduled and then later cancelled as it became clear all was not well in the band.

'Health interests'

Together with Matthews, Mark Roberts, Owen Powell, Paul Jones and Aled Richards formed in 1993 but it took five years before they had a hit single.

"It will be a change," Aled said of the band's future name.

"All I can say is it is difficult because we spent so much time together. At the end of the day Cerys' health interests were the most important things to consider.

"As long as she is better then we can carry on."

He said the band had not decided if they would recruit a new lead singer.

Cerys was treated for anxiety and depression

"We are looking to put things down in a studio, see if a direction is forming and then see if we need a new singer."

Richards, who has been teaching and playing music with other bands since the split, said he had no regrets about the years in Catatonia.

"I look back on it fondly. It was a great shame that it ended but Cerys' problems were far more important that our enjoyment."

Cerys is thought to have a solo record contract with Warner Records but she has remained tight-lipped about her future since the split.

Richards said the four band members had not been in contact with her since last September.

"I think she was told to move in different circles to the rest of us," he added.