MUMBAI: Fans of Irish rock band U2 have waited four years for new music and it seems the wait is almost over. Adam Clayton, bass guitarist for the band recently revealed in an interview that fans can expect a new album “sometime early next year”. While details of the album are not known, Clayton did hint that the upcoming release will be a bit more mature than their last album ‘No Line on the Horizon’- released in 2009.

Talking about the album and its direction, 53 year old Clayton said, “I think it’s a bit of a return to U2 of old, but with the maturity, if you like, of the U2 of the last 10 years. It’s a combination of those two things and it’s a really interesting hybrid.” The tracks are said to be an exciting collection, but are in the process of being finished; so it is difficult to know which way they will go.

The veteran rockers who came together in 1976 are hoping to perfect the upcoming album’s 12 tracks before the end of November so they can take time off and enjoy Christmas, Clayton revealed. U2 guitarist, David Evans, nicknamed ‘The Edge’ said that they were experimenting with various sounds. “We always try to bring out something different, every time we’re in the studio. But it’s the fans who decide that really”, he added.

U2 which also includes drummer Larry Mullen Jr. and lead singer Bono, were spotted in New York City’s Electric Lady Studios recording the upcoming album, along with producer Danger Mouse in June this year. This will be the band’s 13th album and it will be set for a No.1 UK release.