TEKE::TEKE is a unique beast; a seven-piece band featuring traditional Japanese instruments, flute and trombone alongside raging guitars and a pulsing rhythm section to create a sound reminiscent of 1960’s and 70’s era psychedelic Japanese soundtracks, with a frenetic, modern twist.
Formed in 2018 for what was to be a one-off instrumental tribute show to Terauchi, featuring covers like “Chidori,” the band then quickly found their original sound with the addition of vibrant actress, visual artist and vocalist Maya Kuroki. With their original single, “Kala Kala,” distorted guitars, flute, cymbal and trombone trickle in before a full-fledged freak out with pummeling drums and killer twin guitar riffs — then, 1 minute in, behind her trademark large framed glasses, Maya comes in, singing in her native Japanese and distinctive howl.
Recently signed to renowned label Kill Rock Stars, TEKE::TEKE delivers Japanese psych-punk mastery on their new single, “Kala Kala.” Coming out of Montreal, the seven-piece rock band boasts powerhouse energy and multicolored beauty via soaring flutes, psychedelic guitars, first-class percussion, and a strapping and robust voice via lead singer Maya Kuroki. Check out this riveting and multi-cultural musical beast below…
“‘Kala Kala’ means ‘clattering’, which in this song refers to the sound of masks hitting each other. Inspired slightly by Japanese Enka and its tendency for drama, the lyrics explore the question of identity and the ambiguity of what being a man or a woman is supposed to mean,” says the band.
Photo credit: Andi State
