For over 2 decades now, MONO has established themselves as the vanguards of instrumental rock music across Asia, with numerous acclaimed studio and live albums under their belt. Most recently, the revered Japanese band released their latest EP entitled OATH this past June, produced by the late, great Steve Albini.

Coinciding with MONO’s 25th anniversary, this record’s immersive and expressive blend of post-rock and contemporary classical is transcendent, proving once again why the band are both innovators and masters of this lush and layered genre. Running at about 1 hour and 11 minutes, OATH is one of the most epic and emotive musical experiences of 2024.

Ahead of their Mosaic Music Series concert at the Esplanade’s Singtel Waterfront Theatre on 12 November, where they will perform alongside a 12-piece orchestra, we caught up with band leader Takaakira "Taka" Goto to learn more about the creative vision behind MONO's recent album.

'Us, Then / Oath / Then, Us'

"Life is finite. We don't even know what tomorrow will bring. This is why we should live the present moment consciously and run through our limited lives to the fullest, with all our strength, as we wish. This is a song about a new dawn that I wrote during the pandemic and it’s what I wanted to express."

'Run On'

"Everyone has a different personality. Sometimes you may feel anxious or lonely, but it's okay to live your life as you wish. I wanted to express that we should not be distracted by our surroundings nor worry about what others think, and we should listen to the voice of our souls and move our finite lives strongly towards our dreams."

'Reflection'

"Just like the scenery reflected on the surface of the water, not everything is as it seems. I wanted to express that no matter what your current situation is, the future you desire is always there and exists."

'Hear the Wind Sing'

"There’s something inside each of us that tells us everything will be okay: don’t worry, everything will be fine, believe in yourself and pursue your dreams and goals."

'Hourglass'

"This song was inspired by the feeling I had on the last day I saw my father before he passed away. As I looked at his IV drip, I felt as if his life and memories were flowing away, drop by drop."

'Moonlight Drawing'  　

"The moon at night illuminates the sea, revealing paths that were not visible during the day. This song expresses the feeling of picturing, imagining and taking a leap into the future."

'Holy Winter'

"I wrote this song with the feeling of midwinter snow purifying sorrow and death. It's the arrival of a new spring."

'We All Shine On'

"Of course, life isn’t always good. There are times when things don’t go as you planned or wished, but there’s nothing more noble, beautiful and fulfilling than the process of climbing over the rocks in pursuit of your dreams with all your heart. That’s what this song is about."

'Time Goes By'

"Like AI and other technologies, the evolution of humanity never stops, and even in this disjointed situation, our time in our limited lives continues to count down. One day, when we leave our bodies, what we can take as our souls to the afterlife are only what we challenged, what we could give to others, and the honour we earned. That’s what this song is about."

MONO - Oath 25th Anniversary Orchestral Asian Tour dates

• Nov 4 / Hong Kong / Y Theatre [sold out]
• Nov 6 / Taipei / Zepp New Taipei
• Nov 8 / Bangkok / Siam Pic-Ganesha Theatre
• Nov 10 / Kuala Lumpur / Zepp KL
• Nov 12 / Singapore / Singtel Waterfront Theatre at Esplanade
• Nov 14 / Shanghai / Bandai Namco Dream Hall [sold out]
• Nov 15 / Shanghai / Bandai Namco Dream Hall [sold out]
• Nov 16 / Shanghai / Bandai Namco Dream Hall [sold out]
• Nov 20 / Tokyo / Spotify O-East
• Nov 22 / Osaka / Yogibo Holy Mountain* [low tickets]
• Nov 24 / Jakarta / Joyland Festival

Purchase tickets here.