Arkells

The Canadian rock outfit Arkells earned acclaim for its fervent, politically infused style and dynamic stage presence. Having surfaced during the mid-2000s, the group maintained an intensive touring pace while delivering Juno-winning full-lengths such as Jackson Square, High Noon, Morning Report, and Rally Cry. Momentum continued into the subsequent decade through Blink Once in 2021, its guest-laden follow-up Blink Twice from 2022, and the contemplative Laundry Pile issued in 2023.

Deriving its name from the Hamilton, Ontario thoroughfare where rehearsals took place, the band formed in 2006 as lead singer Max Kerman and guitarist Mike DeAngelis pursued studies at McMaster University. An independently issued debut EP called Deadlines appeared in 2007 and received a re-release the next year via the Canadian indie imprint Dine Alone. Their inaugural album, Jackson Square, surfaced in 2008 and secured the 2010 Juno Award for New Group of the Year. Sophomore effort Michigan Left followed in 2011, marking their major-label bow and delivering a second Juno.

Teaming with producer Tony Hoffer, whose prior credits include Beck and M83, Arkells unveiled High Noon in 2014. The single “Leather Jacket” delivered their first authentic alt-rock chart-topper, the LP later achieved gold certification in Canada, and two additional Junos joined the tally. After the 2015 Study Music EP, the group previewed material from its next record during early 2016 road dates. Morning Report emerged that August through Last Gang/eOne, which singer/guitarist Kerman characterized as their “most honest” work yet; lead track “Private School” topped Canadian Alternative radio.

Fifth album Rally Cry landed in 2018, featuring singles “People’s Champ” and “Relentless.” The project captured the 2019 Juno for Rock Album of the Year while producer Eric Ratz earned the Jack Richardson Producer of the Year Award. Early 2021 brought the tracks “You Can Get It” and “All Roads,” paving the way for sixth LP Blink Once that September. Sequel Blink Twice arrived in September 2022 and featured collaborations with Tegan and Sara, Cold War Kids, and Beatrice Martin. Themes of love, regret, desire, shame, and redemption informed the inward Laundry Pile, which surfaced in 2023.