Review: MONO ‘Snowdrop’
It’s been a couple of years now since the passing of the legendary Steve Albini, and for MONO, the new album Snowdrop is their first new work since the great man left us. Having been a major part of the band’s evolution – the fifth member for all intents and purposes – his loss has no doubt left a mark. After covering the band’s previous album, Oath, I was very keen to see where they were in 2026.
MONO is such a huge entity to me; I knew that anything they offered up would be filled with their trademark passion. My hope was for an album that would not only keep the outfit moving forward but would also make Albini proud – the exact kind of work he would have strived for them to produce. On Snowdrop, they have not only delivered but have also, in my humble opinion, exceeded all expectations by a huge margin.
Oath was a beautiful album; it strangely felt like the climax of an era when I listened to it, and I remember feeling like it was the closing chapter of a story. Albini’s passing obviously left a real shadow over the opus, and it was as if the band had a premonition of it all when they wrote it. Since then, they have gone away and seemingly spent their time doing what they do best: taking all their combined emotions and, in a true act of homage to their fallen compadre, writing an absolute cracker of an album.
Now, by cracker, I mean that this new album, Snowdrop, is the most incredibly phenomenal thing they could have done. It is, simply put, MONO at their very best – pure, unadulterated wonder, as only they can deliver. Full of joy and passion, I truly believe this could well be their biggest sonic leap in years. It is euphorically beautiful and feels like a band given a new lease of life, not wallowing in any sadness, but embracing the newfound liberation, and by Christ, are they giving it their all.
It truly feels like the passion and flair are not only back but have pushed the group to a new level. This is an album that demands to be heard; it needs to be played loud, and it needs your full attention. It’s so much more than just another MONO album (I say that as if they have ever gotten comfortable, which is never the case), it is a wonderful return from a band who are very dear to me.
Absolutely next level, the whole experience is a revelation…
Always so driven, professional, and passionate – not only on record but in live performances too – MONO have become one of my most cherished bands. With Snowdrop, they have easily produced my album of the year. For everything I’ve reviewed and heard, I already know nothing will top this; even in a year that sees new releases from Cult of Luna and Emma Ruth Rundle, two of my other favourite acts, nothing will top this album.
I could try and strip it down track-by-track like I usually do, who they sound like and all that jazz, but I’m not going to go that way this time. Every song is a masterclass from a band who not only lead the way but are still bringing new things to the table. Honestly, this album is so good that nothing else will touch it for me in 2026.
The flourishes on tracks such as Shion are the absolute epitome of everything great in the post-rock genre. It’s hard to put into words, really, because it’s MONO outclassing MONO, if that were even possible. Absolutely next level, the whole experience is a revelation.
The piano work on Bells Of Ireland is sublime, while the otherworldly magic on Gerbera is classic MONO with a newfound passion. Hedera is a mournful sonnet – a darker, sadder affair – whereas Winter Daphne is harsher in tone and feels like their more classic sound. Even closer Farewell To Spring sees them adding a new dimension to their sonics. Led by love and creativity, MONO never cease to amaze me; every new release brings an evolution, and that has been especially true of Snowdrop.
If you have missed the boat and are only just hearing about MONO now, there’s still time to immerse yourself in one of the most underrated, versatile bands to ever exist. For current fans, I hope you have already invested your time in Snowdrop and agree with my comments. Personally, I don’t think it gets any better than this, a band at the top of their game, proving yet again why they are so universally loved. It is a masterclass in musicianship, through and through.
Label: Temporary Residence Limited
Band Links: Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
Scribed by: Lee Beamish
