A new EP release from Teku Syndrom hits all the rock sweet spots from classic styles and approaches to an alternative edge and everything in between, this record has hooks beyond hooks and both a real fists-in-the-air attitude.
The Path EP is a release that shows the makings of a band that has a true love for what they do, and they pay very close attention to their craft, but they do everything with heart and that is one of the strongest elements on the record in general.
Not only does this release have heart but it's got a great attitude and shines with character throughout the entire course of the record.
You have some great guitar lines and licks that serve as the glue that holds everything together along with great bridges and breakdowns, bopping bass lines, and a sort of anthemic backbone.
These songs are both headbangers and sing-alongs and you will find yourself singing along with the chorus of songs by the end of them.
I think what I love most about this record is that purebred classic rock undertone that really pushes forward throughout the whole thing because you can hear the influences from each different band member melding together to create these songs that bring you into the band's fresh atmosphere.
The record certainly isn't reinventing the wheel by any means however it's really taking some of the best parts of different approaches to rock in general and putting their own spin on it and this is something that is done differently with different bands of course but with Teku Syndrom, it feels like the whole thing's a love letter to their influences and that's what makes it work so well.
Listening to the record it feels like it was almost recorded live on the floor because of the energy that they have back and forth throughout the band members and the players themselves and this makes you want to go see them live because if that kind of energy is captured on a record like that then seeing them in your face is going to be killer.
This record certainly came through with an empowering tonality and it's something that will stick with you for a while, especially for any fans of real-deal straight-up rock music with something impactful behind it.
Everything about this is gracefully done and those vocals are just pure power and it's something you can't turn your head from even for a second.
Also, I love music with hooks that come from instruments and not just vocals because a lot of times that's not an element brought into the genre anymore so to hear it again is very refreshing.
With such a badass release we wanted to have a sit-down with Teku Syndrom to find out where this record actually came from and what might be coming up next for the band.
Here's what went down.
Buzz Slayers: Okay, let's start with The Path! This EP had rocked out with an anthemic undertone and an edgy but bright feel! How did this release come about?
-Thank you! It was all COVID’s fault!! Ha! Ha! Alright, seriously! The record came rather quickly after the band was assembled. Perhaps a little too quick…but eh! Now we laugh about it. It was a great bonding experience and perhaps the best way band members could get to know each other under pressure before the live shit starts happening. We learned how to work together in the studio, under the pressure of recording by putting our egos aside. Talk about building team spirit! Maybe that’s where the edginess comes from. Speaking of edginess, our sound engineer, Hugo from Back in The Day Studio, has an ear and a love for edgy and bright guitar tones and it really shows in the guitar and bass sounds that he dialed in. I think he did a killer job! It turned out great and it fits the vibes of the songs.
Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as a band?
-When covid hit, the local music scene died suddenly, and I was left with plenty of time on my hands to really explore years of lyrics I had laying around. Part of my bucket list, I always dreamed of having my name on a CD…so why not make one now! So, I played around with the lyrics and recorded a few demos in my home studio. Then I got in touch with Teresa that I knew from a previous project. I asked her to listen to the demos and I guess they were good enough for her to lend her fantastic voice to the Teku Syndrom project. From there we got in touch with Jamy our drummers and Tony our original bass player and finally we onboarded Eric N as the rhythm guitar. As life is always full of surprise, we recently had to part ways with Tony. Since karma is always fair (fingers crossed), Phil came along and with Tony’s collaboration, he picked up the ball as we were rolling and he kept the momentum going. Before we continue, I can hear you think…where does the Teku Syndrom name comes from? Well, let me tell you now! It comes from my habit of writing songs when I drink beer with my trusty Teku glass. Yes, Google it up, it exists! The glass, not the syndrome! Anyways, I have developed a syndrome of writing songs when drinking beer, Hence Teku Syndrom. There you go!
Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire songs for you?
- Most of our inspiration comes from our life experiences. We like to put words to our emotions and share them with people. Even if our first album is my songs, as we grew as a band, Jamy came up with a bunch of crazy lyrics that I can’t wait to put music on! Let’s breakdown our current songs for a minute it’ll give you an idea.
- “Blistered, Battered, Shattered” is about facing challenges, getting through in life and breaking down barriers even when the odds are against you.
- “Lost” is inspired by real life events and it’s a very personal song, for me anyway. the album. It’s a deep reflection about a moment in life when I thought “I made it” only to find out that I didn’t. The song is about a false sense of accomplishment and a false sense of pride that got exposed when I looked in the mirror trying to figure out why people had such a bad perception of me.
- “The Path” is also very personal and emotional. I wrote this when I left the military thinking about my friends and all those who served. The song is a little dive into the mind of a soldier that doesn’t quite know why he’s doing what he does. Despite the fears and the horrors he witnesses, he keeps pushing forward knowing damn well that if he’s ever coming back home, he will never be the same trying to figure out why a human being chose decide to put his life on the line and face the ultimate sacrifice and sometime eliminate another human being.
- “Weathered Man” is about everyone who keep pushing in life when life is not going their way. Imagine yourself as a fence, even if you are full of nail holes and scratches, you will feel the pain. You will never be the same, but you will still serve your purpose, So, even if you are weathered by all these events, you will survive because you have your life in hand!
- “Help Me Grow” is the most emotional song on the album. This song even reached #3 on the Australian radio. I wrote this song for my daughter who was born a boy. I know it might be a tough subject for some of you, but it is what it is! Take it or leave it! We all have our challenges; this was mine to achieve. I accepted it and I love it! This song is me trying to describe how my daughter was feeling inside during her years of questioning and transition until she was able to spread her wings and become the lady she really was inside.
Buzz Slayers: This EP has some great approaches to it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
- As you will hear on the album, we are leaning towards the 80’s and 90’s rock and hard rock scene. You will hear Teresa’s angelic voice over a raunchy and edgy music background full of overdriven guitars. On the EP you might recognize hints of Aerosmith, Guns’ N Roses, Scorpions, Iron Maiden draped with Blondie’s like “rock angel” vocals. We tried to keep the drums on the basic side whilst keeping a punchy feel. We also like to include a melodic and rhythmic bass approach, even if sometimes more complex. We think it’s easier for people to connect when they can feel the beat, or rhythm section. It needs to have the “foot stomping” factor.
Buzz Slayers: What are you all doing when you're NOT working on music?
-We like to give our 100% in everything regardless of if it’s music or not. When not playing music, some may qualify us as nerds! Ha! Ha! For my part I am a Quality Assurance Manager in a plastic injection molding company. Teresa, our colorful singer, is a teacher by day and a rocker by night. Calm down boys! Jamy is a Patient Care Attendant at our hospital. Eric N is an Application Technician in a home security company and Phil our bass player is a Production Manager at the same plastic injection molding company where I work.
Buzz Slayers: Who's in all your headphones right now?
-I can only speak for my ears who loves Teku Syndrom…wink! wink! I am currently enjoying our New Brunswick friends Big Shiny Maple. I always listen to Black Stone Cherry…which we would love to share a show with! Strong female voices are also feeding my ears quite a bit. On the heavier side, Unleash The Archer, a great Canadian metal band you should check out, and Halestorm are also getting lots of minutes! If ever Chris, Brittney and or Lzzy you ever read this, give us a call!
Buzz Slayers: Are you guys doing any live performances right now?
-Yes! In October we are going to play one of the biggest events in our region. It is called the “Grande Grouille” (Pumpkin Fest) and it easily draws above 10,000 persons! One year it even crossed the 14,000 mark! This is pretty amazing for out little region of Edmundston in Canada. After that we have another show for a local charity that is public yet, and we will also play the Grey Rock Casino. Watch our Facebook page and website www.tekusyndrom.com to keep up with us.
Buzz Slayers: Do you record these at a big studio or do you have a home studio set-up?
- We record all demos at our home studio but for this EP we have worked with our good friend Hugo at Back In The Day Studio. Hugo is a great guitar player with an ear for everything rock. We also shot the video for our latest single, The Path, at the same studio. Check it out on YouTube. During our studio work we were fortune to benefit from Hugo’s experience. It gave us the confidence to pursue our project and ultimately to rock and roll!
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
- Aside from working on the new shows, we are working on new songs. Our plan is to release a new EP or perhaps a full album in 2024. Interestingly enough, we are currently in discussion with a record label in the USA. We never dreamed this to happen but here it is. We still need to figure it all out…kind of new for us. If anyone is interested in our music, well, let us know! Ha! Ha! This will give us an opportunity to compare. But for now, if you read this, share with your friends, get them to like our Facebook page, follow our Instagram page, like and add us on Spotify and Apple Music and finally, register on our website. These little things can go a long way in helping us secure funding to record the new album and also help us win a place in the regional and national music scene. Never underestimate the power of one!
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
- Thank you for listening to our music! We appreciate and love you all! But, as I mentioned before, the best thing you can do is to like us on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc… it only takes a few seconds of your time, but it can make all the difference for us! Share with your friends and family. Remember that your favorite band was once like us. New and emerging. You have the power to make us someone’s favorite, go for it! It’s free. Until we meet for the first time or meet again, rock on my friends!!