Cranberries back in the tour trail

With back-up guitarist Steve Demarchi deputising for the sick Noel Hogan, the band performed a 10-song set, which comprised ‘Zombie’, ‘Time Is Ticking Out’, ‘Free To Decide’. ‘Linger’, ‘Animal Instinct’, ‘Never Grow Old’, ‘When You’re Gone’, ‘Dreams’, ‘Promises’ and new single ‘Analyze’.

Reviewing the latter in their current issue, American trade bible Billboard says: “The whimsical track is a throwback to the band’s enduring 1994 hit ‘Dreams’, featuring a similarly buoyant rhythm and simplistic love song lyrics – even Dolores’ quasi-yodel wail makes a cameo.”

Talking about the media blitz for their Wake Up And Smell The Coffee album, drummer Feargal Lawlor says: “Everyone is in good spirits and ready to get stuck in for the next two years or so. I must say I can’t wait. I enjoy my time off but I’m getting itchy feet again.”

Meanwhile, Cranberries diehards will want to beg, steal or borrow a copy of Preserved: The Story So Far, an official CD sampler, which has been doing the rounds in Europe and the States. Although not commercially available, enterprising types may be able to track it down through the net.