Written in Silence is the debut album by multi-instrumentalist duo, Mt. Onsra.

The 10-track opus is ‘pandemic rock’ at its most mindful; the sound of the search for meaning and connection throughout the enforced solitude of lockdown.

No words were spoken between the band throughout the writing of the album; a video call only when the album was complete.

Drawing inspiration from throughout alternative rocks rich lineage, the album is haunting, driven and universal.

Written in Silence was not planned, but a chance connection by two old friends as the global pandemic kicked in which set them on a path of new musical discovery and creativity.

Inspired by artists across genres, from Tool to Midlake, Slint to Jeff Buckley; Written in Silence blends delicate harmony with angular rhythms and muscular riffs.

The album opener, ‘Colossus’, tells the story of a long night. The kind of night you wake up from and would rather forget. The song, driven by a taut angular beat, details the intricate balance of darkness and light, deep in the heart of the human condition.

‘Into the Light’ calls for a better humanity; one that learns from history to birth a new future…..all with a 5-part harmony chorus.

The third track, ‘Calls My Name’ brings the listener on a nuanced trip into the heaviest section of the album so far. If you're someone who believes that everything is connected, this one is for you.

‘Elemental’, featured on the Radio 1 Rock Show, is the albums ‘phones in the air’ moment. The multi-layered vocals, intricate guitar work and anthemic climax add just the right amount of commerciality to Written in Silence.

‘One Breath’ takes the global interest in meditation and mindfulness to the next level. Part monster rock riff, part meditative reflection on impermanence. This is for the modern gurus.

The song that the pair first wrote together was ‘Nobody Said’. A deeply personal reflection on addiction, it is also the most musically spare bringing to mind what Slint might have sounded like if fronted by Maynard James Keenan.

Charting the challenge of letting go and pushing forward is ‘Interstellar’. With its deep synth sounds and epic guitars; think Sunny Day Real Estate meets Mogwai.

Pace-gatherer ‘Come Back’ is as straight ahead as the album gets. A heady mixture of Midlake, QOTSA and Radiohead. Vocally layered, the harmonies draw out the soul of the listener whilst the guitars are sonically shifting and morphing underneath. One for the festivals.

The penultimate track on the album ‘Total’ is a hymn to forgiveness and redemption. Drawing on both the teaching of our Brummie riff forefathers and the vocal styling of monastic brothers, the track takes the listener on a journey inward to face their own shadow.

Written in Silence does not always musically venture where you think it will and is all the better for it. Album closer ‘Intervened’ is no exception.
Simmering and fragile but calling out that even seemingly good emotions can be draining the album closes in the only way that it could; with a nod to Chopin. Obviously.


“When we started this whole process we thought we might be able to get a single song written. Very quickly we realised that for both of us this was very special. What we were creating transcended both of us and we had to follow its path. Sometimes you don't need words to communicate”

Russell Cleave, Mt.Onsra