Arkells: From Campus Jams to Chart-Topping Anthems – A Journey of Canadian Rock”

Arkells, one of Canada’s favorite bands, has captivated audiences since their inception in 2006. With a discography boasting eight albums and a ninth one, “Laundry Pile,” set to release in September, the band has garnered immense success over the years. From their humble beginnings at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, to winning multiple Juno Awards and thrilling fans with their energetic performances, Arkells has established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Canadian music scene. In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into Arkells’ remarkable history, their rise to fame, and their unwavering commitment to delivering politically charged anthems that resonate with fans across the nation.

A Name Change and Hamilton Roots:

In their early shows, Arkells was never named arkells they performed as Charlemagne. However, due to a legal dispute with another band bearing the same name, they made the necessary change. The band found inspiration in the Westdale neighborhood of Hamilton, specifically Arkell Street, near McMaster University, where they lived and practiced. The five original members, including lead singer Max Kerman, attended McMaster, and it was there that they discovered their shared passion for music – thus arkells was born

Early Years and Jackson Square:

Arkells’ debut album, “Jackson Square,” released in 2008 under Dine Alone Records, marked their official entry into the Canadian music scene. The band embarked on a tour across Canada, opening for Matt Mays & El Torpedo, and showcased their talents at the Vanier Cup halftime show in Hamilton. Their early achievements were recognized when they won a favorite new artist CASBY Award from Toronto radio station 102.1 The Edge in 2009

Michigan Left and High Noon:

In 2011, Arkells released their second album, “Michigan Left.” The band continued to evolve their sound and gained momentum with singles like “Whistleblower” and “Kiss Cam.” Lineup changes occurred when Dan Griffin left the band to go back to school , and later replaced by Anthony Carone. Their hard work paid off, and in 2012, Arkells won their second Juno Award for Group of the Year. Then The band’s third album, “High Noon,” released in 2014, further solidified their presence in the music scene. With standout tracks like “Never Thought That This Would Happen” and “Come to Light,” the album showcased their growth and musical prowess. Arkells embarked on extensive touring, sharing the stage with prominent artists such as Lights, Billy Talent, Metric and many others

Morning Report and Rally Cry:

Arkells’ fourth album, “Morning Report,” arrived in 2016, captivating fans with its infectious energy. The album’s lead single, “Private School,” became an instant hit, featuring cameos from notable musicians and friends. The band’s relentless pursuit of excellence garnered them further recognition at the Juno Awards, where they received nominations for Group of the Year ( a award won many times over the years ) and Rock Album of the Year.

The Evolution Continues:

In 2018, Arkells had the honor of performing for the Canadian Olympic team during the Winter Olympics in South Korea. The band also hosted their hometown concert, “The Rally,” at Hamilton’s Tim Hortons Field in 2018 and released their fifth studio album, “Rally Cry,” the same year. The album’s accompanying Canadian tour featured Lord Huron as the opening act and included their largest arena show to date at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

In 2020 Arkells released their acoustic album, “Campfire Chords,” featuring stripped-down versions of their earlier songs, during the COVID-19 quarantine. This album showcased their adaptability and dedication to creating music despite challenging circumstances

Looking ahead, Arkells released two albums in 2021 and 2022 , “Blink Once,” in 2021. With the singles “You Can Get It” and “All Roads” leading the way, the album showcased their continued growth and musical prowess. And blink twice last year with This album featured collaborations with Cold War Kids, Aly and AJ, Tegan and Sara Beatrice Martin , Wesley Schultz from the Lumineers Jake Clemons , Joel plasket ,

And the best part is that The band is set to release their highly anticipated ninth album, “Laundry Pile,” in September which is sure to delight fans with their signature sound and poignant lyrics

Honestly its amazing that Arkells have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the

Canadian music scene with their incredible journey and unwavering dedication to their craft. From their early days at McMaster University to their rise to Juno-winning superstars, Arkells have consistently impressed with their dynamic performances, thought-provoking lyrics, and infectious melodies.

And With their upcoming album, “Laundry Pile,” on the horizon, fans eagerly await the next chapter in the band’s evolution. Arkells’ ability to blend diverse musical influences and tackle pressing social issues sets them apart, ensuring their continued relevance and impact in the music industry.

As one of Canada’s favorite bands, Arkells have not only entertained audiences but also inspired them to be more engaged in the world around them. Their commitment to using their platform for political and social change makes them more than just musicians; they are agents of progress and catalysts for conversation.

In conclusion In a music landscape that often thrives on trends and fleeting fame, Arkells stand tall as a band with substance, longevity, and an unwavering connection to their fans. Whether they’re performing anthemic rock songs or intimate acoustic renditions, Arkells consistently deliver memorable experiences that resonate deeply with their listeners.

As their journey continues, one thing is certain Is that Arkells will continue to be at the forefront of Canadian music, pushing boundaries and creating music that inspires and captivates. With each release, they prove time and again why they are truly one of Canada’s favorite bands