U2 surprise-release the “Easter Lily” EP: full streaming

U2 have surprise-released “Easter Lily”, a new six-track EP.

The record arrives while the Irish band are still immersed in the sessions for their next studio album, and stands as a second standalone release of unheard material, conceived to accompany the wait for that record. It follows “Days Of Ash”, put out last month for Ash Wednesday. Where that first EP reflected the turmoil of the wider world, “Easter Lily” operates on a more intimate, introspective plane. The new songs stem from a personal dimension and tackle themes such as friendship, loss, hope and renewal.

In detail – a press release explains – “Song For Hal” is a track marked by memories of pandemic lockdown, with The Edge on lead vocals, dedicated to producer Hal Willner. “In A Life” looks instead at friendship, while “Scars” works around the idea of acceptance and resilience. “Resurrection Song” describes a journey into the unknown shared with another person, “Easter Parade” takes on a more devotional dimension tied to rebirth, and “COEXIST (I Will Bless The Lord At All Times?)” closes the record with a lullaby set against a soundscape by Brian Eno.

In a note addressed to fans, Bono explained that the Dublin band is working on a new album conceived for the live setting, described as “noisy, chaotic and unreasonably colourful”. At the same time, he stressed that this EP springs from a more intimate need: to question the value of relationships, the strength of faith, and the meaning of rituals in a time marked by instability and digital overexposure. The title openly echoes “Easter” by Patti Smith, released in 1978, cited as a personal reference point.

“Easter Lily” also comes with a special digital issue of the magazine “U2 – Propaganda”, featuring contributions from the band members: liner notes by The Edge, a piece by Adam Clayton on his artistic and personal journey, a conversation between Bono and Father Richard Rohr, plus studio photographs by Larry Mullen Jr. The e-zine also includes the lyrics to the songs and in-depth pieces on key figures such as producer Jacknife Lee and Hal Willner himself, remembered in a contribution by Gavin Friday.

Here's the tracklist and the full streaming of “Easter Lily”

1. Song for Hal
2. In a Life
3. Scars
4. Resurrection Song
5. Easter Parade
6. COEXIST (I Will Bless The Lord At All Times?) (with a new soundscape by Brian Eno)

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