Dublin collective telekura return with ‘hi-chew’, an off-kilter synth-pop track reflecting on missed opportunities, nostalgia and the choices we make in pursuit of the ‘right’ life.
Dublin-based collective telekura released their new single ‘hi-chew’ on 14 October, building on the momentum of their previous release, ‘big nothing’. Blending wonky electronics, hazy 90s-inspired vocals and a playful rhythmic pulse, the track finds the band exploring the emotional complexities of relationships and opportunities left behind.
Named after the cult Japanese candy brand that frontwoman Rachel Tan remembers from childhood, ‘hi-chew’ reflects on the possibilities of a relationship that was never pursued, alongside the nostalgia and regret that can accompany paths not taken.
“Superficially, hi-chew (the song) is a wistful reflection of an unpursued relationship and what might/mightn’t have happened. There’s a bit of nostalgia and regret mixed in there. It overtly points at a romantic relationship, but really it extends to any other opportunity that you might have given up in pursuit of the ‘right thing to do’,” Rachel explains. “There’s a link there with big nothing, around what’s considered the framework of a correct adult life, and what you give up in pursuit of it.”
Written by Rachel Tan and co-founder Stephen Purcell, ‘hi-chew’ arrived largely formed, with the pair focusing their attention on its arrangement and production. Recorded at home using vintage early-80s machines, the track was mixed by Adam Shanahan.
Stephen recalls how an unexpected production decision helped bring the song together.
“This was already a fun song when Rachel sent it over and didn’t really need much tweaking. During the demo process, though, it felt like the drums were missing something. After trying all kinds of parts and arrangements, we stumbled onto the idea of layering a simple drum loop over the original pattern, and it unexpectedly tied everything together. It gave the drums this kind of Pumpkins ‘1979’ vibe, which quickly became one of our favourite things about the track.”
The result pushes telekura further into their distinctive, eclectic sound, combining off-kilter synth-pop, psychedelic textures and left-field hooks. Drawing on influences as varied as XTC, The Beach Boys, St Vincent, Mitski, Nirvana, The Pixies and Faye Wong, the collective continue to carve out their own space within Dublin’s alternative music scene.
There is, however, one question on which the band are unequivocal: the best Hi-Chew flavour is grape.
‘hi-chew’ arrives as telekura continue a busy run of live dates across the UK and Europe. Their autumn schedule includes festival appearances at Pro Weekend Fest in Spain, Left Of The Dial in Rotterdam and Other Voices in Dingle, alongside headline shows at The Social in London and Upstairs at Whelan’s in Dublin this November.
Following the growing recognition of ‘big nothing’, the new single further develops a recurring theme in the band's songwriting: the tension between society's expectations of adulthood and the personal sacrifices involved in meeting them.
Watch the lyric video for ‘hi-chew’ below: