Doves launch into 2004 with visits to the Ulster Hall, Belfast (February 26) and Olympia, Dublin (28).

Precisely seven days before that comes the release of Some Cities, the eagerly awaited follow up to the Mancunians' Mercury-nominated album, The Last Broadcast.

If its thumpingly good lead single, 'Black And White Town', is anything to go by it promises to be a classic.

Tickets priced €33 go on sale on Friday December 17.