The Edge explains U2 album delay

U2's The Edge has claimed that delaying the band's forthcoming album will allow them to "take it to the next level".

The Irish rock band's twelfth LP, rumoured to be titled No Line On The Horizon, was initially penciled in for a late 2008 release, but the group made the decision to push its release back to early 2009 last week.

Speaking to NME, guitarist The Edge said: "We're still writing and we're trying to take it to the next level. It's taking a while, but I'm told there's no short cut to greatness!"

The rocker also admitted that he was delighted that Elbow took home the Nationwide Mercury Music Prize for their album The Seldom Seen Kid.

He said: "They're a really good band, good for them. More power to your Elbow!"