Tom Dunne: U2 have suddenly woken up to the fact they have a lot to say

That energy, that sense of urgency, the sense of needing to say what simply must be said informs every track. It might have been War since we’ve last heard them so urgent

A still from one of the lyrics videos U2 posted on Youtube to accompany their surprise EP release 'Days of Ash' which dropped on Ash Wednesday, February 18. Picture: U2/Youtube

U2 are back. All guns blazing — target acquired, no prisoners taken. Bono is focused, passionate, driven, The Edge’s guitar is soaring, Adam’s bass driving relentlessly, and Larry Mullen Jr is back to what he does best  — kickstarting buses. Where has this U2 been?

Days of Ash: Six Postcards from the Present... Wish We Weren't Here arrived on Ash Wednesday.