U2 Release Surprise New EP Easter Lily: Stream

U2 have released a new six-song EP called Easter Lily, their second new EP in as many months following their Days of Ash EP.

Per a press release, whereas the Days of Ash EP was “a response to chaotic times in the outside world, the Easter Lily EP is a much more reflective set of songs emerging from a more personal, private place that some may retreat to in such times – exploring themes of friendship, loss, hope, and ultimately, renewal.”

Bono further expanded on the project in his own statement: “We are in the studio, still working towards a noisy, messy, ‘unreasonably colourful’ album to play LIVE… which is where U2 lives. We still look to vivid rock n roll as an act of resistance against all this awfulness on our small screens. These are for sure ‘wilderness years’ for so many of us looking at the mayhem out there in the world.”

“It’s a time that has our band digging deeper into our lives to find a wellspring of songs to try meet the moment…,” he continued. “With Easter Lily we ended up asking very personal questions like: Are our own relationships up to these challenging times? How hard do you fight for friendship? Can our faith survive the mangling of meaning that those algorithms love to reward? Is all religion rubbish and still ripping us apart…? Or are there answers to find in its crevices? Are there ceremonies, rituals, dances that we might be missing in our lives? From the rite of Spring to Easter and its promise of rebirth and renewal… Patti Smith’s album Easter gave me so much hope when it was released in 1978. I wasn’t yet 18. The title is a nod to her.

“We will attempt hoopla and fanfare at a later date to remind the rest of the world we exist but in the meantime… this is between you and us,” Bono concluded.

Easter Lily is now available on all major DSPs, including Quboz. The band has also released a special digital e-zine edition of Propaganda to accompany its release. Titled U2 – Propaganda – Easter Lily, the e-zine features contributions from the four band members including sleeve notes from The Edge; Adam Clayton on art and the journey of recovery; a conversation between Bono and Franciscan friar Richard Rohr; in-the-studio photographs shot by Larry Mullen Jr., and more.

Easter Lily EP Artwork:

Easter Lily EP Tracklist:
01. Song for Hal
02. In a Life
03. Scars
04. Resurrection Song
05. Easter Parade
06. COEXIST (I Will Bless The Lord At All Times?) – ft. a soundscape by Brian Eno