Acclaimed American orchestral rockers The Decemberists are set to preview their new album at the forthcoming SXSW festival.

The Decemberists last released an album of new material in 2006, with the band unleashing the acclaimed 'The Crane Wife' set. The band's major label debut, it was a leap forward for the band pushing them into the mainstream.

Now the group are set to release their follow up. 'The Hazards Of Love' will be released later this year, and features guest appearances from member's of Lavender Diamond and My Brightest Diamond.

The album will be previewed in its entirety at the SXSW festival, when the band play the NPR music showcase on March 18th. One of the most anticipated albums in American music this year, the performance is set to be one of the most talked about events of SXSW.

In other SXSW news, the event has announced it is set to launch a new social networking site. Allowing music fans to discuss the festival as it unfolds, the new site should add an extra dynamic to one of the most important showcase events on the planet.

South By Southwest takes place in venues across Austin, Texas between March 18th - 22nd.