Coming in hot off the release of their debut album, Flower of Life, Taleen Kali emerges from the twilight once more to deliver another electrifying track. Titled “Aepex,” the track is intense and unrelenting. It features incredibly powerful guitars backed by thunderous, magnificent drums. The vocals are ethereal, as if calling out from another world—a world urging you to join it.
The song’s style is a captivating fusion of ’60s psychedelia, modern shoegaze, and an unapologetically badass attitude. You can feel the influence of bands like The Horrors, Sextile, L.A. Witch, and Curve/Chapterhouse woven throughout the entire track. The defiant nature of “Aepex” is unmistakable in its bold, uncompromising sound, challenging musical norms with a rebellious spirit. It dares listeners to embrace its raw energy and break free from their comfort zones. This is a sonic journey that resists conformity and celebrates individuality and fearless self-expression.
“There’s a point after which you can’t keep driving up against the current anymore,” says Taleen. “You just want to pierce through it. I grew up in L.A. It’s my home. I love being in the DIY community here. And yet, sometimes being in the music scene during these dark political times can feel so daunting. Capitalism makes artists compete, turning us into content machines churning ourselves to a pulp. That’s where I got the idea for ‘Aepex.’ I don’t just want to keep pushing upward into oblivion. ‘Aepex’ is the pinnacle of pleasure. A crest. A threshold. It’s about how meaningless the chase can be and finding other ways to forge meaning, finding transcendence amidst chaos and madness. All of these elements started driving me toward a darker direction, both during the songwriting process and in the studio when we were redefining our sound.”
The title “Aepex” stands as a fitting emblem for the band’s upward momentum. Embracing a bold new chapter in their sound, the group returned to The Cave Studios to collaborate once again with producer and engineer Josiah Mazzaschi (Light FM, Bizou, Child Seat). Mixing duties were handled by Chris King (Cold Showers, Kai Tak), adding yet another layer of depth to the track’s production.
This release marks several milestones for the band. It’s the first time frontwoman Taleen has co-produced an original track and the first recording to feature bassist Miles Marsico stepping in on drums, highlighting the tight creative bond between members. “Aepex” also includes a farewell solo from former guitarist Royce Hsu and introduces new guitarist Genevieve Quiquivix, seamlessly blending past and present. Touring drummer Anthony Schillaci contributes additional percussion, further blurring the lines between a traditional band and a dynamic punk collective.
In addition to releasing this powerful new single, the band is hitting the road with Ringo Deathstarr, culminating the tour with a performance at The Echoplex on Sunday, June 8. This show will double as the official release party for “Aepex”. So get ready to join them and celebrate a new peak in their sonic evolution.
LISTEN TO THE SONG EARLY HERE
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