EP Review: Misery In Serenity

Tealskie.

Have you heard of them?

That’s okay, I hadn’t either, until now.

Hailing from Ōtautahi, Christchurch, Tealskie was originally a solo project of vocalist, Rebekah Pemberton. What followed was chance. In 2023, Rebekah wrote her first song in her car. That single caught the ears of a local station which wanted her to get a few gigs up her sleeve. The problem? She needed some extra talent to help play them. Cue guitarist Tim Miller, drummer Elliot Millar, and bass player Chay Kaa-Luke.

It was meant to be because Tealskie (pronounced ‘teal-sky’) was born.

The first single the band released was Flown Away, a song Rebekah said was about self-healing and reflection. Who inspired her to get on stage and pour her heart out? Only the trifecta of some of rock’s badass frontwomen – Joan Jett, Amy Lee and Hayley Williams.

After a string of gigs and recording sessions in 2024, their debut EP, Misery in Serenity bloomed in 2025 – and here it is.

So, what does Tealskie sound like? The artists mentioned before may have been a hint.

Combining their own version of 90’s rock, punk and funk they bring a lot of energy for starters. Tired is far from slow or a track that gently picks up speed. It leaps out at you with a solid driving riff, and a nice solo thrown in for good measure. It’s catchy but unassuming with Rebekah’s vocals soaring, keeping everything in place.

You might think you’re listening to a completely different band once you hear Haüs. It’s heavy on the funk, with vocals leaning more towards hip-hop than Anthony Kiedis. But that’s a good thing especially with the change in tempo and quiet confidence it exudes. This is the thing about Tealskie, they are inspired by many, and sound like none. Unique like an ice cream flavour that doesn’t exist yet.

And Citalopram – yeah, this one hits. You know how most bands have that one song that stands above the rest? The one that gives a different type of goosebumps? This song has heart – and I don’t mean the others don’t. But the way the guitar intro draws you in and Rebekah’s vocals soar is stunning. It transcends.

So, should you go listen to Tealskie’s debut EP? Absolutely – you must.