U2 release 'Days Of Ash' EP featuring Ed Sheeran and Ukrainian soldier

U2 have released a five-track EP, Days Of Ash, described as a response to recent world events and featuring contributions from Ed Sheeran and Ukrainian musician-turned-soldier Taras Topolia; a short documentary connected to the release is due next Tuesday.

U2 have issued a new standalone EP titled Days Of Ash, their first release in almost three years. The record comprises five songs and a poem and is presented by the band as a response to recent world events. The group describe the tracks as different in mood to the album they plan to release later this year. The release is accompanied by a special edition of the band's magazine and limited print materials. Key details: - Days Of Ash contains five songs and one spoken poem and was released ahead of a full album due later this year. - The EP includes guest contributions from Ed Sheeran and Ukrainian musician-turned-soldier Taras Topolia, and a poem recited by Nigerian artist Adeola of Les Amazones d'Afrique. - The songs address contemporary topics reported as including the Ukraine conflict, a recent fatal shooting in the United States, the Israel-Palestine situation, and the Women, Life, Freedom movement. - A four-minute documentary tied to the EP will be released next Tuesday to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Summary: Days Of Ash is presented as a timely, politically engaged set of tracks that the band said could not wait for their upcoming album. The EP release adds a short documentary next Tuesday and the band plans a separate full album later in the year.