U2 to release album "early 2011"

U2 have revealed that they are planning to release a new studio album next year.

The group, who are currently on the Australian leg of their world tour, said that they hope to put out the LP before returning for a second set a US dates in 2011.

"I would expect a new U2 album sooner than anybody thinks. I would guess early 2011 before the next leg of the American tour which starts in May," band manager Paul McGuinness told The Sun.

The group have reportedly debuted a number of tracks from the new LP, which has the working title Songs Of Ascent, including 'Mercy', 'Every Breaking Wave' and 'Boys Fall From The Sky'.

The record follows 2009's No Line On The Horizon, which sold over five million copies worldwide.

> U2 hint at Glastonbury 2011 headline slot