telekura Blend 90s Nostalgia and Wonky Synth-Pop on New Single hi-chew

By Chris Kennedy | Published 15th Oct, 2026

telekura's story began when Rachel Tan met songwriter and producer Stephen Purcell through Bandmix. Despite being neighbours who regularly cycled past each other, the pair initially wrote music almost entirely remotely, swapping ideas over the phone and internet. It turned out to be a surprisingly good way of working, with their different songwriting approaches clicking almost immediately.

Stephen brought plenty of hooks and ideas to the table, while Rachel's more understated approach to melodies and lyrics gave the songs their own character. What started as a two-person writing project eventually grew into a full band, with Liam Brady on drums, Risa Hanamoto on synths and Michael O'Sullivan on bass.

Since then, telekura have become familiar faces on Dublin's live circuit, playing venues including Whelan's, The Grand Social, The Button Factory and Fibber's, as well as Galway's Róisín Dubh. They've also shared stages with the likes of Nation of Language, Night Tapes, Plantoid, Burglar and Teishi, steadily building a reputation beyond their home city.

hi-chew – Wonky Synth-Pop With a 90s Twist

With hi-chew, telekura push further into their slightly off-centre take on synth-pop. There's a wonderfully scrappy feel to the electronics, while the hazy vocals give the song a distinctly 90s flavour. Underneath it all, a punchy, playful drum rhythm keeps things moving, bringing a bit of alternative-rock attitude into the mix.

It's that combination of sounds that makes hi-chew so enjoyable. The synths have a quirky, almost homemade quality, but the rhythm section gives everything a proper kick. There's a definite nod to the 90s alternative scene, particularly in the drums, without the song feeling like it's simply trying to recreate something from the past.

The track was written by Rachel and Stephen, with much of the song already in place before the rest of the band began experimenting with its arrangement. Recorded at home using an old machine from the early 80s and mixed by Adam Shanahan, hi-chew retains a slightly rough-around-the-edges charm that suits the music.

Stephen explains that the drums were one of the few things that needed a bit more attention during the demo stage. After trying different arrangements, the band landed on the idea of layering a simple drum loop over the existing pattern, giving it a feel reminiscent of The Smashing Pumpkins' 1979.

It's a nice reference point, and you can hear why the band were drawn to it. The beat has that same loose, rolling quality, adding momentum without overpowering the song. Paired with the slightly woozy synths and laid-back vocals, it gives 'hi-chew' a sound that's nostalgic, catchy and just a little bit strange.

A Catchy Song About the Roads Not Taken

For all its playful energy, hi-chew is actually looking back at something that never quite happened. Rachel explains that the title comes from a popular candy she remembers from her younger years, tying into the song's wider themes of nostalgia, missed opportunities and the choices we make as we get older.

On the surface, it's about a romantic relationship that was never pursued and the inevitable wondering about what might have been. But Rachel sees it as something broader, touching on the opportunities people leave behind while trying to follow what society considers the correct path through adult life.

That contrast between the music and the subject matter is one of the more interesting things about hi-chew. The track sounds carefree and fun, yet there's a lingering sense of regret tucked away in the lyrics. It's the sort of thing that might pass you by on the first listen, before gradually becoming more apparent.

There's also something fitting about wrapping those ideas in a song that sounds like a half-remembered piece of the 90s. The hazy vocals and slightly wonky electronics give everything a nostalgic quality, while the driving rhythm stops it from becoming too sentimental. telekura manage to keep things light without losing sight of what the song is about.

telekura Continue to Build Momentum

hi-chew arrives as telekura continue to take their music beyond Ireland, with live appearances across the UK and Europe. Their schedule includes 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.

With a growing collection of live appearances behind them, telekura sound increasingly comfortable doing things their own way. Their mix of indie rock, synth-pop and slightly unconventional songwriting doesn't fit neatly into one box, and hi-chew suggests they're quite happy to keep it that way.

Final Verdict | telekura Hi-Chew

hi-chew is another enjoyable release from telekura, bringing together quirky synths, hazy vocals and a cracking drum groove that gives the whole thing plenty of character. It's catchy without being too obvious, nostalgic without getting stuck in the past, and playful enough to make you want to give it another spin. A fun, slightly wonky indie-pop track with more going on beneath the surface than you might first expect.

The single, hi-chew, is available through all streaming platforms.

Photo Credit: telekura