Irish rock band U2 dropped their new extended play (EP), Days of Ash, on Wednesday, marking their first release in nine years. In this fresh offering, U2 takes aim at the Donald Trump administration’s hardline immigration policies and Israel’s settlement construction.
According to AFP, U2 describes the six-track EP as a knee-jerk reaction to current events, drawing inspiration from the myriad of extraordinary and courageous individuals fighting on the frontlines of freedom.
The opening track, “American Obituary,” pays homage to Renee Nicole Good, the 37-year-old who tragically lost her life last month in a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shooting. The lyrics poignantly state, “Renee Good was born to die free.”
“Song of the Future” commemorates a teenage girl who perished during Iran’s 2022 hijab protests.
“One Life at a Time” takes a critical stance on Israel’s support for settlement construction in the West Bank.
“Yours Eternally” features collaborations with pop sensation Ed Sheeran and Taras Topolia, a Ukrainian musician who traded his guitar for fatigues.
Frontman Bono explained that these EP tracks were itching to break free; they couldn’t be contained. They’re anthems of resistance and despair.
Since their formation in Dublin, Ireland, in 1976, U2 has been a vocal advocate for human rights issues.
Bono is equally renowned for his crusade against poverty and his efforts to combat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). In recent years, he’s been an outspoken critic of the conflicts in Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza.
AFP noted that this latest EP follows in the footsteps of their 2017 album Songs of Experience, which dropped after Trump’s initial election and featured tracks championing activism and tolerance.
Meanwhile, U2 fans can look forward to a new full-length album slated for release later this year.