Arkells

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!

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. ❤️

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.

These guys did not disappoint, They put on a great show, they sounded excellent. Awesome interaction with the crowd which is always nice to see, and seemed genuinely happy to be playing for the crowd. Exceeded my expectations and I cannot wait for them to come back.

Amazing show by Max and band. Love the way the Arkells create a musical experience for everyone at the show. Very few performers are able to connect and interact so well with their audience. Our fourth show, can't wait until the fifth!

Saw them March 1st at U Street Music Hall in DC. It was honestly one of the best nights of my life. The show was so energetic, and Max as a frontman really knows how to keep the crowd going. I will definitely be seeing them again!

Everyone should go see this band at some point in their life. Great energy, wonderful experience. This was our first date since the baby and can't thank the Arkells enough for putting on a fantastic show. Hope to see them again.