Irish rock band U2 has returned after nine years with Days of Ash, a six-track EP tackling US immigration enforcement, the war in Ukraine and civilian casualties in Israel and Palestine, alongside concerns about democratic backsliding. One track cites a death during an ICE operation, another reflects Ukraine’s humanitarian toll. The EP is gaining traction online, reigniting debate over its blend of rock and activism.Critics question tone, netizens talk about the lyrical literalismNot all reactions have been celebratory. Some listeners argue the EP’s direct references to contemporary conflicts lack the poetic elasticity of earlier protest songs. Debate has also intensified over the band’s comments on Israel-Palestine, particularly remarks by Bono criticizing both Hamas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The involvement of Ed Sheeran on Yours Eternally and its role in drawing extra attention is also being talked about widely.U2 doubles down on moral urgencyU2 is back to confrontational activism that shaped albums like War and The Joshua Tree. Fans argue this album reasserts the band’s identity, tying music to advocacy partnerships and their belief that popular music can function as civic intervention.
We’ve never shied away from taking a position and sometimes that can get a bit messy, there’s always some sort of blowback, but it’s a big side of who we are and why we still exist
– Larry Mullen Jr in the album’s press release
We’re going to offend and annoy some people… but that’s our job
– Bono to The Sun UK
