At this point, you basically know what you’re getting from Japanese post-rock heroes MONO. Unlike some of their peers, they haven’t executed any dramatic reinventions (relative within the parameters of the genre, at least) but instead just grown and evolved naturally, their records and music reflecting who they are at the point in their lives where they recorded them and as their audience grows and ages with them, they way they hear and absorb the music changes as well. So in that way, if you’ve been along for the ride for a while, you don’t come to MONO to hear something new, necessarily, but to feel who they are and who you are.

And so their latest record Snowdrop, which came out a couple weeks ago, and was recorded as a tribute and farewell to their longtime producer and collaborator Steve Albini. On of that most recent and public loss, in this interview with Guitar World, guitarist Takaakira “Taka” Goto reflects on the other recent passings in his life that inform the latest record – losing his father in 2022 and father-in-law in 2025 – and how those transitions informed and revealed the healing power of their music. And he has a lot of thoughts about guitar pedals, because this is MONO talking to Guitar World, after all.

“Steve Albini died, a friend died, my father died, the father of my wife died. But I want to focus on the positive”: How a composer’s approach and 40 DD-3 pedals helped noise masters MONO to heal their grief @ Guitar World

He also talks at length about the writing process of the new record with Idioteq, and how a recent shift in life philosophy – the sort of thing that only comes with age – has affected him:

In recent years—particularly since the pandemic—I’ve experienced a major shift in my heart. I began to realise that in the finite time we call life, things I once took for granted were not guaranteed at all. I became aware of the many wonders and miracles around me: the preciousness of everything I already had and a deep sense of gratitude toward all the people who have supported me. After years of touring without pause, I was finally able to settle down and truly face myself. This has made a massive difference in my life.

Takaakira “Taka” Goto, MONO
Japanese post rock maestros MONO discuss ‘Snowdrop’, recording without Steve Albini, and the language of flowers @ Idioteq

The clip for some “Gerbara” perfectly captures the beauty and healing of the new record. On its surface it’s a performance video by the band on a windy, grassy hilltop accompanied by a string quartet and a choir and while conceptually it might seem a little obvious, it’s a flawless representation of the emotion of the piece.

Of the song, the band says:

The language of flowers for the Gerbera is ‘faithful love’ and ‘cheerfulness’. The countless, precious memories I share with you will never be forgotten. I am so glad that I met you. Innocence, purity, joy, beauty—and I will never forget your smile.

MONO
MONO – “Gerbera” @ YouTube

And video director Yusaku Mitsuwaka says of the video:

During the shoot, the wind swayed the silver grass wildly, resonating with the band’s performance and blowing through as if it were music itself. Guided by the wind, the camera danced, and “Gerbera” became a music video brimming with vitality. Even in today’s fractured world, the act of loving and being loved remains unchanging. I hope this wind reaches the heavens. I would like you to watch this while thinking of someone dear to you.

Yusaku Mitsuwaka, director
MONO – “Gerbera” @ YouTube

I promise you that if it was me, 25 years ago, I probably would have gotten a little impatient with the record, or felt like “I’ve heard this before”. But me, now, at the midway point of my life, just hears this and thinks, “I get this”.