TEKE::TEKE

Teke::Teke emerged as a Canadian group whose music merges influences from multiple continents into a distinctive pop approach. Their origins trace to a collective interest in eleki, the Japanese style of guitar rock modeled on the Ventures. Over time the ensemble wove in strands of traditional Japanese music, film soundtracks, psychedelic pop, and indie rock, resulting in performances marked by both intensity and theatrical scope. Their first release, the 2018 EP Jikaku, demonstrated a flair for evocative narrative, while the 2021 album Shirushi shifted toward more structured songs without sacrificing melodic or textural boldness. On their follow-up full-length Hagata, issued in 2023, the band heightened the rhythmic drive and overall force of their sound.

The project began when guitarist Serge Nakauchi Pelletier, then on tour with Montreal rapper Boogat, discovered an album by Takeshi "Terry" Terauchi during a record-store visit. Terauchi, whose Ventures-inspired proto-surf playing had brought fame to his groups the Blue Jeans and the Bunnys, captivated Pelletier, who spent hours replicating the guitarist’s technique. He introduced the music to Boogat bandmates trombonist Etienne Lebel and drummer Ian Lettre. The three musicians sought to perform Terauchi’s material live and secured a tribute slot at Montreal’s 2017 Distorsion Psych Fest. To complete the lineup they enlisted guitarist Hidetaka Yoneyama, flautist and keyboardist Yuki Isami, and bassist Mishka Stein, adopting the name Teke::Teke after the vengeful spirit of a slain schoolgirl from Japanese folklore. The festival appearance proved successful, prompting the collective to develop original songs that retained Terauchi’s influence while adding elements of surf, cinematic scoring, instrumental pop, and traditional Japanese forms. Vocalist and performance artist Maya Kuroki joined for their second concert, expanding the group to seven members. By 2018 they felt ready to document their work, and the resulting EP Jikaku appeared on the independent Ray-On label, drawing strong critical notice. In 2020 Sub Pop commissioned the single “Chidori” b/w “Kala Kala,” after which Kill Rock Stars agreed to issue the band’s debut album. Shirushi reached stores in May 2021 and earned widespread praise, placing the ensemble on the long list for that year’s Polaris Music Prize. Hagata followed in 2023, sharpening the attack and emphasizing propulsive grooves. Ahead of its release the group played several U.S. dates, including two supporting the reunited post-punk band Unwound; afterward they resumed touring and appeared at two U.K. festivals.