U2 releases new Easter EP, “Easter Lily”
The Irish rock band U2 seems to have committed itself to releasing EPs with six tracks. After releasing the EP “Days Of Ash” at the end of February, featuring six songs about the current state of the world, a new EP has unexpectedly been released today, on Good Friday. As it appears just before the Easter weekend, the title is fittingly called “Easter Lily”.
This new EP also features six new tracks. The opening song “Song For Hal” is sung for guitarist The Edge and serves as a tribute to their friend Hal Willner, who would have turned 70 this Easter Monday. However, he passed away six years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The song “In A Life” is about celebrating friendships. “Scars” is a song of encouragement and acceptance, scars and all, but with a twist. “Resurrection Song” explores a pilgrimage, a road trip into the unknown with a loved one or friend. “Easter Parade” is a devotional piece, celebrating new life, rebirth, and resurrection. The final track, “COEXIST (I Will Bless The Lord At All Times?)”, is a lullaby for parents of children caught in war, featuring a soundscape by Brian Eno.
In the accompanying press release, singer Bono also provided an update on an upcoming studio album. ‘We are in the studio and still working on a loud, unruly, “unreasonably colorful” album to play LIVE… and that’s where U2 belongs. We still see vibrant rock ’n’ roll as a form of resistance against all the misery on our small screens. These are truly “desert years” for many of us watching the chaos in the world unfold.’
Bono also explained how this EP came about. ‘This is a time when our band is digging deeper into our own lives to find a source of songs that match the moment… With “Easter Lily”, we asked ourselves very personal questions, such as: Can our own relationships withstand these challenging times? How hard do you fight for friendship? Can our faith survive the distortion of meaning that algorithms seem so eager to reward? Is all religion nonsense, tearing us apart…? Or can answers still be found in the cracks? Are there ceremonies, rituals, dances that we might be missing in our lives? From the spring festival to Easter and the promise of rebirth and renewal… Patti Smith’s album “Easter” gave me so much hope when it was released in 1978. I wasn’t even 18 yet. The title is a nod to her. We will go big again later to remind the rest of the world that we exist, but for now… this is between you and us.’
This year also marks 50 years since U2 was formed as a band.
