U2 have returned to the studio in Dublin to continue work on their new album which they hope to release in 2008.

A post on the bands website gives fans hope and reads: “We hear that the recording sessions in Hanover Quay are going well - with everyone still hoping the new album will be out this year.

”No word on how the music is developing from last year's songwriting sessions in France and Morocco but the band are in good form and enjoying themselves.”

The album will be followed by a tour in 2009, the band’s first under their new deal with Live Nation.

In other U2 news, Universal are planning to reissue some of the band’s early albums in remastered and expanded packages.

‘Boy’, ‘October’ and ‘War’ will all be released on July 22 and are each set to feature the original album on a single-disc, a vinyl edition and a double CD set featuring B-sides, rare tracks and live material.

(by Daniel Melia)