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.

I have grown with The Maine over the last 5 years, from their first album Can’t Stop Won’t Stop, all the way to Forever Halloween. In this time they have produced 4 incredible albums, each one different from the last, but still keeping a sound so familiar to The Maine.

There are two things that make The Maine different from other bands; their love for their fans and their desire to make real music that means something to them, and this really comes through in their live performances.

The Maine usually play small venues, making it even more special and intimate; they never disappoint. These five guys from Phoenix, Arizona come alive on stage wherever they play relying on their talent alone to entertain the crowds. The Maine don’t need amazing light arrangements or backgrounds, themselves and their instruments are more than enough to keep us coming back for more.

The whole band get really into the zone, especially at the start of a set, where they prove that they deserve their title of a rock band. Garrett, on bass, and Jared, on guitar, are always rocking out together on the left side of the stage, where they vibe of one another. John can go from encouraging and shouting with the crowd to being in his own little world, so engrossed in the music. He is always so happy to be singing and performing, and really relishes fans in the audience singing along to his words.

With 7 years worth of back catalogue to choose from they play different sets at each tour, always with variety, playing songs from all four albums and always pleasing the crowd with favourites such as Run, Right Girl, My Heroine and Identify. If it’s one thing I don’t doubt; The Maine love making music and playing together, and they are so appreciative of every single person that supports them in any way, so much more than any other band. And that is why I love them. They create incredible music and will never forget the support they have had to allow them to live their dream.

10 shows over 4 years and I still can’t wait for the next one.