U2 Praise Rising Acts Ahead of New Album Release and Highlight Dolly Parton Collaboration

Rock legends U2 are gearing up for the release of Carnaval De Luz, their first brand-new studio album in nine years. Ahead of the drop, the band spoke with NME to discuss their modern influences and the current alternative music landscape. Guitarist The Edge singled out Brighton punk outfit Lambrini Girls for their sonic energy, admitting he would love to incorporate their raw sound into a U2 record. He also expressed admiration for Brooklyn rockers Geese and frontman Cameron Winter, praising Winter's stage presence and recent television appearances.

Fellow Irish stadium-rockers Fontaines D.C. also earned high praise from the veteran musicians. Bono noted that the group constantly raises the artistic bar for their peers, praising frontman Grian Chatten's unique spirit and the band's recent collaboration with Rosalía on the track 'Where Is Gone?'

The upcoming album carries deep emotional weight, notably featuring a posthumous duet with the late Dolly Parton titled 'Torn.' Parton's social media accounts recently shared a heartfelt June letter she wrote to Bono regarding her vocal contributions, expressing her affection for the track and the band. In tandem with the album's rollout, the BBC has released official footage of U2 performing 'The Greatest Show On Earth' during an intimate live set at London's Tate Modern.