In the blink of an eye U2 are back with new EP Easter Lily, a reflective and personal examination of loss, hope and friendship – and we’re even treated to The Edge on vocals!

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U2: Easter Lily EP (Island)

FOUR STARS 

The saying about London buses – that you wait ages for one, then two come along at once – seems to be true for U2. After nine years without new music, they’ve now released two EPs within just six weeks.

The Irish band finally released ‘Days of Ash’ – a six-song EP of protest music – in late February. It was their first new music in six years, since 2017.

In the blink of an eye, they are now back with six more.

Ahead of the release of her upcoming album, described as ‘defiantly joyful,’ the artist is sharing Easter Lily. This new song is considered more thoughtful and personal than her previous work, Days Of Ash.

Oh my gosh, their music just gets you, you know? It’s all about those big feelings – friendship, losing someone, but still holding onto hope. And The Edge? Seriously, his guitar playing… it instantly takes me back to when I first heard The Joshua Tree back in ’87. It’s like that same incredible, powerful sound, it just fills you up! I swear, every note feels like a memory.

The first two songs really showcase the guitarist’s use of effects. On “Song For Hal,” a touching tribute to the late record producer Hal Willner (who passed away during the pandemic in 2020), we even hear The Edge singing lead vocals.

U2’s new song, ‘In A Life,’ features those signature, striking guitar chords. Bono sings about how much he values friendship, confessing, ‘I’ve never done anything by myself.’

The latter part of the EP delves into spiritual topics, fittingly released around Easter. “Resurrection Song” describes a journey with someone special, while “Easter Parade” features a vibrant, psychedelic sound reminiscent of The Beatles.

The album Coexist (or I Will Bless The Lord At All Times?) features a welcome return of Brian Eno, a frequent collaborator, suggesting the band is revisiting and building on their earlier sound.

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2026-04-03 10:33