anklet officially release live favourite ‘First step’ ahead of debut EP ‘monologue’

Indie trio anklet have released ‘First step’, the lead track from their upcoming debut EP ‘monologue’, due May 21st via R&PMusic. Out now on streaming platforms, the song serves as the band’s first new single since last year’s debut ‘COLORS’.

A regular highlight of their live shows, ‘First step’ has built a strong connection with the band’s growing audience since its first unveiling at their self-organised event Hajime no Ippo Nokoshitoku. (I’ll Leave Behind My First Step.) in July 2024. Fans had long awaited an official release, with the track becoming a central part of anklet’s early setlists across Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka during their Kinmokusei ga Furu Yoru tour.

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In a statement, vocalist and guitarist Nanami Kadowaki commented:

“We first unveiled ‘First step’ at Anklet’s very first hosted live show, and now it’s finally available for everyone to listen to at home, on the commute, and in so many different scenes! With so many people starting new chapters and entering new environments, I’m sure there’s not just excitement but also anxiety and hardships. I hope that when you listen to this song, it helps you overcome those struggles and worries together with Anklet!!!!”

Nanami Kadowaki

Bassist Manami Okina described the track as a “thank you” to supporters who attended their early live shows, while drummer Haruka Kurose noted its importance as the first song the band created together.

“This song is a “thank you” to everyone who came out to our live shows. It’s one of our signature songs. It would make us really happy if you could listen to it while thinking back on our live performances, paying special attention to the lyrics!”

Manami Okina

“Since this was the first song we all created together, I’d be really happy if you listened to it a lot.”

Haruka Kurose

Earlier this month, anklet announced a celebratory EP release party, Sanningoto (The Three of Us), set for June 4th at Shimokitazawa MOSAiC in Tokyo.

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