ADRIAN THRILLS: Within the blink of a watch U2 are again with new EP Easter Lily, a reflective and private examination of loss, hope and friendship - and we're even handled to The Edge on vocals!

By ADRIAN THRILLS

Revealed: 03:22 EDT, 3 April 2026 | Up to date: 03:51 EDT, 3 April 2026

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U2: Easter Lily EP (Island)

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The previous adage in regards to the frequency of London buses has clearly struck a chord with U2: you’ll be able to wait 9 years for a group of recent songs, after which two new EPs arrive within the house of six weeks.

It was solely on the finish of February that the Irish quartet delivered Days Of Ash – an Prolonged Play of six protest songs, and their first set of recent tunes since 2017.

Within the blink of a watch, they’re now again with six extra.

Launched forward of a ‘defiantly joyful’ new album, due later this 12 months, Easter Lily is being billed as a extra reflective, private piece of labor than Days Of Ash.

Its songs take a look at friendship, loss and hope, with the dynamism of guitarist The Edge harking again powerfully to the majesty of 1987’s The Joshua Tree.

The guitarist’s effects-heavy taking part in is to the fore on the primary two tracks. On Track For Hal, a lament for American file producer Hal Willner, who died on the peak of the pandemic in 2020, we’re even handled to The Edge on lead vocals.

His jagged chords are outstanding once more on In A Life, with frontman Bono singing of the significance of associates: ‘I by no means achieved something alone,’ he admits.

The second half of the EP examines non secular themes, completely timed for Easter. Resurrection Track particulars a highway journey with a lover or buddy, and Easter Parade is all Beatles-esque psychedelia.

There’s additionally, on Coexist (I Will Bless The Lord At All Occasions?), a return for long-term collaborator Brian Eno – reiterating the sense of a band going again to the long run.

Launched forward of a ‘defiantly joyful’ new U2 album, due later this 12 months, Easter Lily is being billed as a extra reflective, private piece of labor than their final EP, Days Of Ash

Its songs take a look at friendship, loss and hope, with the dynamism of guitarist The Edge (left, onstage with Bono) harking again powerfully to the majesty of 1987’s The Joshua Tree