[Cover photo credit to Craig Murray]

Japan-based Shoegaze and instrumental Rock band Mono have announced the release of Oath, their 12th full-length album, for the 14th of June, 2024 via Berlin’s Pelagic Records. 

It emerged when the band found themselves asking, “What are we doing here?” spinning out of the struggles of 2020. By that they meant all the big questions like, “What are we doing with our limited time in this life? What is our purpose? What should we be doing?”

For the past 25 years, Mono have explored themes such as “the relationship between darkness and light, hope in the face of disaster, and the duality of birth and death.” On their 12th full-length album, Oath, they ponder “the time that makes up life, and how to make the most of that time.” 

Recorded and mixed with longtime friend and collaborator, Steve Albini, Oath runs for 71 minutes and builds an unhurried atmosphere exploring these ideas.

Oath is an album that “offers benevolent reflection” rather than just acting as an escape from the difficulties of life.

Takaakira ‘Taka’ Goto of Mono:

We live with a vow that hasn’t changed since we were children. Hear the wind sing. We are part of the universe. We already know what we should do and what the most important thing in life is.