R.E.M. To Play South By Southwest

(andPOP) - R.E.M. are among the initial slate of bands confirmed to play this year's South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas.

The veteran act will be previewing their new album "Accelerate," which is due for release on March 31.

According to their manager Bertis Downs, the album will feature an edgier side of R.E.M.: "It's not like we're going to pretend these are ballads. These are rockers."

It will be the band's first time performing in the Texan city in five years.

Other acts scheduled so far include Morning Jacket, Vampire Weekend, Daniel Lanois, Tech N9ne and My Brightest Diamond.

The music portion of this year's South By Southwest festival will take place from March 12 to 16 in various venues across Austin, with Lou Reed as the keynote speaker.