Arkells

Taking inspiration from their surroundings, Canadian indie rock five piece began the Arkells journey in 2006. Signing with independent label Dine Alone Records later that year, the band re-released their first EP ‘Deadlines’ in 2008 providing them with enough material to showcase in their hometown of Ontario, which was just the beginning of their relentless touring schedule. In 2008 they released their highly anticipated debut album ‘Jackson Square’ full of energy and soul, featuring the singles ‘Oh, the Boss Is Coming’ and ‘Ballad of Hugo Chavez’ and earned them a Juno Award for ‘New Band of the Year’.

The band secured a support slot for popular Canadian rock band Matt Mays & EL Torpedo tour which opened many doors for them including playing the half time show at their hometown football championship and better still being hand selected by rock super group Them Crooked Vultures, an honour in itself. In 2011, Arkells signed to major label Universal Music Canada and released their second album ‘Michigan Left’ which was nominated for the Juno Award for album of the year.

With their extensive touring schedule and having played with bands such as: The Maine, Billy Talent, The Postelles and Britsh Sea Power has assisted them in accumulating a vast array of fans. Having reached the level of success that they have, the Arkells are very much a band who thrive on the small intimate shows where they can play to their dedicated fan base and sell out secret shows within a matter of minutes. Playing a good mix of old and new tracks, the crowd sing and dance along emphatically as the band play with all their heart and soul apparent in the glow on each of their faces. With keyboard solos and covers thrown in, the band pull out all the stops.

Arkells have an infectious live energy and musical ingenuity which is mesmerising, there’s no doubt that you’ll fall in love with this band within the first ten seconds of them appearing on stage.

Where do I even begin with Arkells? This band has captured my heart since the release of Jackson Square and they have stayed there since. However, due to my bad luck and conflicting schedules, I have only recently had the opportunity to see them live. And what an impression they left for my first show!

This pop-rock group from Hamilton, Canada love to have fun with their music and it really shows on stage. Arkells had the crowd going wild with tunes such as "Ballad of Hugo Chavez", "On Paper", and from their latest album, "Cynical Bastards". Speaking of their albums, Arkells are no exception in terms of experimenting with their music. While Jackson Square and Michigan Left have a more of an alternative rock feel to them, High Noon has bits and pieces of 90s and current pop music sprinkled within its tracks. Comparing the albums to high school tropes, Jackson Square is that chill senior on the soccer team with the great parties, Michigan Left is the best dressed guy at said party that all the ladies are loving, and High Noon is the crowd pleaser - it's not really a party without this one doing some crazy stunt.

Anyway, back to the show! Frontman Max Kerman has a commanding presence on stage. He had the crowd (myself included) enthralled whenever this fine gentleman opened his mouth. While Arkells could have the crowd in a riot, they could also be pulling on their heartstrings with songs such as "I'm Not The Sun". Arkells had the perfect mix of fast-paced and adrenaline-fueled tracks with slower, more emotional ones within their set. They also treated the crowd with an amazing encore - it was essentially a second set (with a great acoustic version of Book Club)! Their main set was none too short either. Arkells a great example of what Canadian music has to offer and I can guarantee that you'll be loving every second of their show if you see them live!

My wife and I caught a short set from Arkells last year at Canada Day.

Having missed out on their London show earlier this year due to illness we jumped at the chance to see them headline in London. Had we known what a small and intimate venue Sebright Arms was we would have been even more excited. The whole venue held less than 100 people - even packed.

The whole show buzzed with energy and verve with a good bland of the new songs and the older ones. Highlight for me was the punked up version of Pullin' Punches complete with hardcore piano solo. They left no doubt about their live music credentials and I am so glad I got to see them in a such a small venue before their music catches on this side of the Atlantic and they start playing Wembley.

Speical props too to Holy Esque who impressed as a support band with a wall of sound. I will definitely be checking out more of their music.

Best Night Of My Life!

The Arkells are my favourite band and I have seen them 3 times before live in their (and my) hometown. Needless to say, tonight I had high expectations for the show and they surpassed them. Max puts on such an amazing show and gets so personal with the crowd. You feel his energy and love for the music and cannot help but smile and sing along for the whole concert. They are by far the best band I have ever seen live and really know how to perform. Tickets are very cheap for the show they put on, with a 22 song set list!

If you didn't love them before you will be sure to after one of their concerts!

You could go see one of their shows not knowing one song, and you'll guarnteed leave completely in love with them. They sound perfect, they have great stories about their inspiration for songs and from on the road, and they always have a way for the crowd to get involved. Plus, their presence is warm, and genuine.

I left their show the other night with zero voice and my feet hurting from dancing. Never miss a chance to see them. 10/10

AMAZING concert. They have such a great energy on stage, Anthony is so much fun - what a talented guy! Max ran up into the stands and took a selfie with some fans, crowd surfed, and the band actually pulled two guys from the crowd on stage and had a jam session with them. The highlight was when they brought Matt Mays back on stage for a tragically hip tribute. Definitely recommend seeing them live. ❤️

As usual, Max and the band put on an energetic, fun, musically fantastic and intimate concert at Town Ballroom last night. It’s my second time seeing them and I plan on it again, especially in Buffalo at that venue. We especially loved when he came right into the crowd beside us and my daughter caught the set list at the end ! Thanks everyone for such a good time!

I plan to see them on December 11 and the reason is I telling another Canadian artist, Brock Zeman, that I love new music and he recommended the Arkells. So, since Brock Zeman's music is awesome (I'm not kidding), I will take his advice and see the Arkells. Who better than to ask about new music, than a musician? Thank you.

Awesome stage presence, lead singer really engaged with the crowd, his music and the band. He makes you feel a part of the music and involved in the story behind the lyrics. Memerable music that touches your soul and leaves you wanting more. Great night, music and entertainment .

This is my sixth time seeing the arkells play. They bring it Everytime. So much energy, they are so engaging and the music is awesome. The venue was good. There was a good vibe in the air and I give credit to the bands for that. Really brought a particular vibe to the show.