Tokyo Indie Band mekong Unveils First Full Album 『みかん』

Last Updated on 2026-03-01 by a-indie

Tokyo-based four-piece band mekong has released their debut first full album 『みかん』 digitally on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

This ambitious record distills a rich mix of indie rock, city pop, funk, and grunge into ten tracks.

Exclusive to BELONG Media and A-indie — who previously conducted an in-depth interview with the band — the members have also shared a comment about the album.

『みかん』: Where “Another World” and “Someone’s Everyday” Overlap

Marking the band’s first foray into the full-album format, this record weaves previously familiar tracks together with new material into a single, seamless thread.

The distinctive “lo-fi warmth” that listeners felt on the previous EP 『グライダー』 and the singles 「夏休み」 and 「さかな」 deepens further within the context of an album.

Looking across the tracklist, a narrative arc emerges — from the opening instrumental 「二人なら – Intro」 all the way through to the closing track 「取り残されて」.

The 2025 releases 「さかな」, 「異星人」, and 「夏休み」 are all re-recorded as Album Mixes, offering fresh discoveries for both first-time listeners and longtime fans alike.

Previous Interviews

mekong Exclusive Interview: Discussing 『グライダー』 and 「夏休み」,「異星人」 — What Is the Heart of This Band?

mekong Exclusive Interview Part 2: The Liberation and Fleeting Fragility They Pursued on the Double A-Side Single 「夏休み」,「異星人」

In the previous interview (published exclusively by BELONG Media and A-indie in July 2025), 鶴岡ミツキ(Vo., Gt.) cited The Beatles, Big Thief, and 吉田拓郎 as personal roots, and spoke about crafting lyrics that begin with the everyday.

The phrase “lyrics just fall down on me” left a lasting impression — and even just reading the track titles on this new album, such as 「忘れないでくれよ」, 「君の手は汚れてる」, and 「取り残されて」, one can already sense that same quality that catches you off guard.

The People Who Shaped the Sound

Recording and mixing were handled by 西村曜 (Studio Crusoe), known for his work with acts such as Khaki and Kiss the Gambler.

Mastering was carried out by 小泉由香 (Orange), who has worked with artists including 坂本龍一, スピッツ, and フィッシュマンズ.

Both are highly trusted engineers, and part of the pleasure here is comparing how each has contributed depth and dimension to mekong’s sound.

Artwork was once again created by band member 鶴岡.

Comment from the Members

The members shared the following comment.

“This is a work packed with each member’s roots and sense of play. It sings of another world, yet somehow overlaps with anyone’s everyday life — we’d be so happy if you took your time and savoured that strange feeling.”

“メンバーのルーツや遊び心を存分に詰め込んだ力作です。別の世界を歌っているようで、誰の日常にも重なるような、そんな不思議な感覚をじっくり味わっていただけたら嬉しいです。”

Live Shows Following the Album Release

Following the album release, two live shows are scheduled in March. After spending time immersed in the world of 『みかん』 through the record, we hope you’ll head to a live venue and feel the raw groove they bring in person.

You just might find the moment where your ordinary day turns into something a little more special.

Start by listening to the MVs for 「さかな」 and 「夏休み」, and discover what scenes or memories from your own life mekong’s music brings to the surface.

Release Details

1st Full Album 『みかん』

Release Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026
Format: Digital streaming
Tracklist:
01. 二人なら – Intro
02. さかな (Album Mix)
03. 忘れないでくれよ
04. teketeke
05. 異星人 (Album Mix)
06. 二人なら – Interlude
07. 夏休み (Album Mix)
08. Replica
09. 君の手は汚れてる
10. 取り残されて
[Credits] Recording and Mix: 西村曜 (Studio Crusoe)
Mastering: 小泉由香 (Orange)
Artwork (Illustration and Design): 鶴岡ミツキ (Vo., Gt.)
Listen on Streaming Platforms

Double A-Side Single 「夏休み」,「異星人」

Release Date: Friday, May 2, 2025
Format: Digital streaming
Tracklist:
1. ユートピア
2. 夏休み
3. 異星人
Listen on Streaming Platforms

EP 『グライダー』 CD

Release Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 (advance sale at live venue on Saturday, May 10, 2025)
Price: 2,000 yen (tax included)
Label: けのびレーベル
Catalog Number: KNBL-001
Tracklist:
1. ミッドナイト
2. 角
3. もったいないね君の声はよく響いているのに
4. グライダー
5. USA
※ All tracks from the main album are available as alternate versions, downloadable as a CD-exclusive bonus
Order from Official Store

mekong Live Information

・NEWWW vol.33
Date and Time: Monday, March 16, 2026 — OPEN 18:30, START 19:30
Venue: WWW
Admission: 1,000 yen (+1 drink)
Artists: cambelle, さらば帝国, mekong
Ticket Reservation (e+): https://eplus.jp/sf/detail/3397310001-P0030016?P6=001&P1=0402&P59=1
Ticket Reservation (Live Pocket): https://livepocket.jp/e/newww_vol33

・はじめちゃん presents 最高な日!!
Date and Time: Sunday, March 22, 2026 — OPEN 17:00, START 17:30
Venue: Shimokitazawa THREE
Admission: 2,900 yen (+1 drink)
Artists: GRASAM ANIMAL, mekong, ナツノムジナ, パターソン, 田山ショーゴ (BAND SET)
Ticket Reservation: https://livepocket.jp/e/saikounahi260322

Full Live Schedule: https://mekong-jp.studio.site/

mekong Profile

Formed in Tokyo by 鶴岡ミツキ (Vo., Gt.), 内山”Woody”彰敬 (Gt.), 吉岡澪皇 (Ba., Cho.), and 筒井なぎさ (Dr.). They began performing live in 2023 and released their debut EP 「グライダー」 digitally in August 2024. Drawing on a wide range of influences including US indie, folk, funk, and blues, they have built a musical world of their own — a lo-fi sound where nostalgia and freshness coexist.
Band Website: https://lit.link/mekongJP
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mekong_jp/
X: https://x.com/mekong_jp
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mekong_band_official
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mekong_band_official