The Kaiser Chiefs are giving fans the chance to compile their own album, using new tracks by the Menston indie rockers.

By downloading material from the band’s website, fans will be able to put together an album of Kaiser Chiefs songs, create their own artwork – and earn from it too.

The band, who went to St Mary’s School in Menston, made a surprise return this week by unexpectedly releasing new single Little Shocks via their website.

Described as darker than previous material, with an infectious guitar riff building to a hypnotic anthem, it is produced by music legend Tony Visconti who has worked with David Bowie and Lou Reed.

The single is from the Kaisers’ fourth album, The Future is Medieval, released yesterday, via a new, innovative digital platform on their website, kaiserchiefs.com.

The band’s aim is to create a music experience “that can be shared and enjoyed by all and at the same time revitalise and subvert the industry standard”. The idea is for fans to hear the record at the same time as media and critics, giving them a fun experience of “being the Kaiser Chiefs’ A&R department”.

People are invited to listen to snippets of 20 new tracks on the band’s website, then select ten songs in any order, create their own bespoke album artwork and download their personal Kaiser Chiefs album.

They will be provided with a webpage and tools to promote the album, with the opportunity to earn £1 from every album purchased following a recommendation to a friend.

The Future Is Medieval is the follow-up to the Kaiser Chiefs’ 2008 album Off With Their Heads. After its release the band took a break before writing new material.

They will be playing festivals this summer, and have announced a stadium show at Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds, on September 10. Tickets go on sale next Friday at 9.30am on 0844 811 0051 or 0844 826 2826.