[Cover photo credit to Luc Desjardins]
Montreal-based Japanese Psych-Rock group TEKE::TEKE have returned with “Shura”, a new single out now on Kill Rock Stars. Drawing on ancient mythology and Buddhist philosophy, the track explores “the beauty of struggle, transformation and perseverance”, as well as being a “deeply human reflection on the realities of fighting through life’s challenges.”
“Shura” is an abbreviated form of Ashura (or Asura), a divine figure whose name appears across many cultures.
This figure is..
Often associated with a relentless, almost reckless fighting nature, the figure also represents a being defined by intense struggle and conflict, continually transforming through those experiences.
The song opens with vocalist Maya Kuroki singing “Shogyo Mujo,” a Buddhist expression meaning “the impermanence of all things,” echoed in the opening lines of the Japanese epic The Tale of the Heike.
However, the song “Shura” also questions “who gets the privilege of contemplating such ideas from a place of comfort and protection, while others are submerged in the mud of everyday life, desperately fighting to stay afloat.” The translated lyrics can be viewed from the song’s art lyric video, by the band’s own Maya Kuroki.
Guitarist Sei Nakauchi Pelletier says:
‘Shura’ was the first song idea we explored for new music. The various musical elements that make up the song emerged over a fairly long period of time in the dead of winter and the song went through several versions before settling on this one. Unconsciously, as if to honor the song’s lyrics about changes and impermanence, the music, while raw and heavy like the figure that is ‘Ashura’, also took on a somewhat unpredictable form, with a sudden change of pace for the song’s instrumental build-up finale.
“Shura” marks a new chapter for TEKE::TEKE as the band teases studio sessions for their next album, following a period of significant international growth and creative expansion, transforming from a 7 to a 6 piece, with new rhythm section Camilly (bass) and Oli Bernachez (percussion).
Most recently, the band entered the world of video game music with their contribution to Ubisoft’sAssassin’s Creed: Shadows. Their work included six original compositions for the game’s official soundtrack, released as Kage No Iro (Original Game Soundtrack), as well as a reimagining of the franchise’s “Ezio’s Family” theme. Their original composition “Meikyu” was also featured in the game’s world premiere trailer, introducing TEKE::TEKE’s to an international audience.
