Shirushi
Kill Rock Stars, 2021
10/10
A Montreal 7 piece outfit, Teke::Teke take influences from ‘60s/’70s Japanese soundtracks, and they mesh those ideas with various forms of rock’n’roll that’s capable of busy, even hectic moments, as well as intimacy that is explored in very creative, inimitable ways.
“Kala Kala” gets the listen off to an atmospheric start where airy flute from Yuki Isami and plenty of mysterious ambience emit a cinematic appeal, before Ian Lettre’s snappy drums and Serge Nakauchi Pelletier’s fuzzed out guitars enter a busy, garage rock inspired setting of art-rock.
Things only get better from here, including the driving and rhythmic “Yoru Ni”, where surf rock nods won’t go unnoticed, while “Barbara” thumps with a firm alt-rock climate that swirls with psychedelia, marching band style drumming and bright horns that, amazingly, were recorded in a single take with all the players in the same room.
The back half of the listen offers the meticulous and soulful “Kaminari”, which benefits from both full moments and raw, expressive ebbs of beauty, and “Sarabande”, the album’s best, then beams with fluid brass, punchy drums and echoed vocals by Maya Kuroki amid an ‘80s charm. “Tekagami” exits the listen initially calm, even ominous, as whispered singing builds into an orchestral influenced version of indie-rock.
An extremely interesting debut, Teke::Teke are equal parts traditional Japanese sounds and flourishing art-punk that flirts with surf, psychedelia and folk, and their unique energy just might make this one of the best records of 2021.
Travels well with: Tele Novella- Merlynn Belle; Haunted Shed- Faltering Light