The continued growth of Canadian group Arkells has been a lovely thing to see. A difficult band to pigeonhole, they’ve presented an ever-evolving sound since their arrival in the mid-2000’s.
Indie, folk, rock, soul, dance, there’s a bit of it all in there somewhere and more. Led by the charismatic Max Kerman, their live shows have earned a big following in their homeland and a growing underground fanbase here in the UK.
Since touring with Frank Turner in 2018, the band has continued to build momentum and now with new album, ‘Between Us’, they feel ready to explode.
That’s because they sound bigger, bolder and braver than ever. Their consummate charm pours from each track and their infectious pop sensibilities ensure that you can’t help but dance and sing along.
The album kicks off with a big run of pre-release singles, ‘Next Summer’, ‘What Good?’, ‘Ride’ and ‘Money’ and that big energy simply continues as the album beds in. With guest appearances from GROUPLOVE, Portugal. The Man and Poolside, you can’t help but feel the party atmosphere on what is an uplifting collection.
So if you’re looking for a pick-me-up whilst the world loses its mind then look no further than this elegant latest offering from a band everyone needs to get onboard with!
With the nights drawing in and the first full festival season in three years now completed, it’s time to head back indoors for our live music fix. And where better to start than in one of the UK’s many incredible intimate independent venues!
That brings us to Norwich at The Waterfront Studio for a sold out show from Canadian acts Arkells and Lights. Getting to welcome international acts such as these back into venues such as this is another reminder of the progress live music has made to return this year, and the venue fills up early with fans eager for an evening of great music.
Whether or not they’d be in receipt of such was never really in doubt considering the acts present. Up first is the multi-talented Lights who clearly has her fair share of diehard fans in attendance. Thankfully for them she has a whole hour to showcase her genre-bending indie pop, to the delights of those in the venue.
Latest album, ‘PEP’, features highly throughout a career spanning set list and album tracks such as opener ‘Prodigal Daughter’, ‘Beside Myself’ and ‘Okay Okay’ are highlights in a consistently powerful and uplifting show.
Yes, the bar for tonight is set very high by Lights, and many seasoned professionals would flounder in their attempts to follow such a performance. Luckily for both the band and the packed venue, Arkells are more than up to the challenge.
The Opening trio of ‘Past Life’, ‘Leather Jacket’ and ‘Michigan Left’ set the stage for another top tier performance from this well-oiled touring machine. At this stage of their career, the group have songs for days so it’s refreshing that they are willing to accept audience requests such as ‘Hand Me Downs’ which occurs next.
Arkells provide another career encapsulating set list with a particular focus on recent efforts ‘Blink Once’ and ‘Blink Twice’. Big hitters such as ’11:11’, ‘Knocking At The Door’ and finale ‘You Can Get It’ all elicit huge reactions from the crowd, however the highlight of the night comes from something special and unique.
Frontman Max Kerman regales the crowd with the tale of a young married couple having their first dance to ‘And Then Some’, with the track being performed by a local covers band. Kerman proceeds to recreate the moment of the first dance with the couple in the crowd, even bringing out the singer of said band, Counterfeit Brits, to sing.
Another memorable moment comes via ABBA cover, ‘Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)’. Expect the unexpected appears to be the theme of the night as Lights also returns to the stage to perform ‘Human Being’ with Arkells; much to the delight of an audience who will remember this night for years to come.
Live music is well and truly back, and our independent venues are leading the charge with amazing shows such as this taking place every night of the week. The tickets to catch these two fantastic international acts in intimate UK venues are surprisingly inexpensive. Thankfully for you there are a number of shows remaining on this tour, so do yourself and your local venue a favour and head along to one!
