Breeders Confirm 2002 Album, Tour

NEW YORK (AP) - After years of dormancy, alternative rockers the Breeders have announced a February release for their forthcoming third studio album and have confirmed plans to tour the U.S. in early 2002. While the band's official Web site confirms the release, no specific date or album title is revealed for the long-delayed, Steve Albini-produced follow-up to 1993's "Last Splash."

The group remains signed to 4AD/Elektra - which released "Last Splash," 1990's "Pod," and the 1992 "Safari" EP - but an Elektra spokesperson says the album is not yet on the label's release schedule.

The U.S. tour will get underway Jan. 28 in Albuquerque, N.M., and wrap a month later in Anaheim, Calif. The group - now consisting of guitarists (and sisters) Kim and Kelley Deal, guitarist Richard Presley, bassist Mondo Lopez, and drummer Jose Medeles - is also confirmed for appearances at the U.K.'s All Tomorrow's Parties festival, set to take place over the last two weekends in April.

Here are the Breeders' tour dates:

Jan. 28: Albuquerque, N.M. (Launch Pad)
Jan. 30: Austin, Texas (Emo's)
Jan. 31: Dallas (Trees)
Feb. 1: Houston (Engine Room)
Feb. 2: New Orleans (Shim Sham Club)
Feb. 4: Atlanta (Echo Lounge)
Feb. 6: Chapel Hill, N.C. (Cat's Cradle)
Feb. 7: Baltimore (Otto Bar)
Feb. 8: Philadelphia (North Star)
Feb. 9, 12: New York (Bowery Ballroom)
Feb. 12: Boston (Middle East)
Feb. 14: Columbus, Ohio (Little Brothers)
Feb. 15: Cleveland (Beachland Ballroom)
Feb. 16: Detroit (Magic Stick)
Feb. 18-19: Chicago (the Abbey)
Feb. 20: Minneapolis (400 Bar)
Feb. 22: Denver (Bluebird Theater)
Feb. 23: Ft. Collins, Colo. (Starlight)
Feb. 27: San Diego (Casbah)
Feb. 28: Anaheim, Calif. (House of Blues