Photo by Shawn Brackbill

After announcing their reunion in late January, Bright Eyes – featuring Conor Oberst, Mike Mogis and Nathaniel Walcott – have released the first track off their forthcoming studio project, marking their first piece of new music since 2011.

“Just wanted to send out love and solidarity to everyone out there feeling alone, frightened and isolated,” reads a hand-written statement by the band. “You are not alone.”

Later, the trio notes, “We will be releasing a new album this year no matter what. We also have lots touring plans which we are now reassessing… Until then, here is a song called ‘Persona Non Grata.’ We hope you like it. It was hard to decide which song to share first because they are all quite different, but this one seemed as good of a place as any to start. And it has bagpipes! Which is a first for us.”

For updates on Bright Eyes visit their official website.

Listen to “Persona Non Grata” and read the band’s hand-written note below: