Dark, evocative beats engulfed by bold raw vocals: this is TOTEK, the genre-defying electronic project of Allysha Joy and Max Dowling. In their own right, Allysha and Max both lay claim to an extensive musical prowess: the former as a member of the internationally-acclaimed nu-soul outfit 30/70 and her equally revered solo project, the latter as a prolific producer, performer and collaborator (Client Liaison, NO ZU, Parvyn and countless others). Born out of burn out and edging frustration for the pace and complication of life at times, this collaboration came together almost immediately. TOTEK found itself in the dark edges, wanting to punch a little harder and move through it all quickly, boldly, unafraid in relief. The chemistry held between Max and Allysha found songs written in mere moments that expressed something new that neither artist had been able to access alone. On face value, the six tracks on ttk.1 could feel musically divergent: representing different idioms, different tempos and different themes. Yet they are unified on a more holistic level through their energy, ethos and character. TOTEK prefers to view music in this way: what is the overall experience of a record? Pushing boundaries and eschewing conventions has been organically at the heart of TOTEK from the beginning. The process of crafting a record was no different: The artists intended to create a work that is characterful and unpredictable yet unified by a throughline of potency and intensity. TOTEK represents a masterful coming-together of influences: a blend of multiple electronic idioms with a unique soul sensibility; channelled through two creatively potent individuals. While their music conjures shades of Dorian Concept, Jana Rush and Flying Lotus, ultimately their sound is eclectic, elusive and unique.
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