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Arkells in Concert
Arkells hail from Hamilton, Ontario, the midsize industrial city located about an hour west of the bustling metropolis of Toronto. And from day one, they've flaunted their hometown pride en route to becoming one of Canada's most popular rock bands.
The quintet named themselves after the west-end Hamilton street where they lived as students attending McMaster University, and their 2008 debut album, ‘Jackson Square,' paid tribute to the namesake shopping mall located in the heart of the city. But most importantly, the Arkells actually sounded like Hamilton, embodying the city's gritty, working-class spirit in proletarian anthems — like "Oh, the Boss Is Coming!" — that betrayed the deep influence of fellow Ontario indie-rock rabble-rousers the Constantines.
After winning the Juno Award for New Group of the Year in 2010, the Arkells began to shed their steeltown skin and indie aesthetic. Max Kerman's impassioned vocals drove the soulful pop strut of "Leather Jacket" and the effervescent "Come to Light" (an open-freeway anthem in the mold of Don Henley's 1980s classic "Boys of Summer").
With 2016's ‘Morning Report,' they started taking notes from contemporary pop and hip-hop, resulting in the cheeky, gospelized R&B of "Drake's Dad" (whose video featured a cameo from Mr. Dennis Graham himself) and the brash, brass-knuckled single "Knocking at the Door" (The band's live setup has likewise expanded, incorporating a horn section and a chorus of female backing singers they dub the Arkettes).
But even as the Arkells racked up multiple Juno Awards and ascended to the ranks of bona fide arena rockers in Canada, they've never forgotten their Hamilton roots. They've supplied local Canadian Football League team the Ticats with their theme song, they continue to take an active role in endorsing local progressive politicians and urban transit initiatives, and Kerman and bassist Nick Dika have even opened their own sports bar downtown.
In June of 2018, the Arkells thanked their hometown by headlining their biggest concert to date, bringing more than 20,000 fans out to Hamilton's Tim Hortons Field for a gathering they dubbed The Rally. That sense of triumph has carried over to the subsequent album ‘Rally Cry,' whose gold-plated fusion of Springsteen-sized grandeur and modern-R&B groove shows that one of Canada's most beloved rock bands is ready to take on the world.
I first saw Arkells at a Free at Noon at World Cafe Live in Philly in 2015, and their energy as performers hooked me immediately. I never miss a chance to see them live, and I am never disappointed. This band sells out stadium shows in Canada, and seeing them in intimate venues here in the US is a treat. The Brooklyn show at The Warsaw was fantastic. Go see them!
I’ve seen artists big and small, but I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a band that puts 125% into every song. Arkells was fully committed to laying it all out with every note, dance, and visual experience. After the show I was left with one question, “How are Arkells not selling out massive venues?!” I’m still baffled by this question days after! Truly one of the best shows I’ve been to. My only complaint about the show (which has nothing to do with Arkells) would be that the opener didn’t fit with the main act at all. Arkells are a indie/rock band. The opener was electronic/dubstep. It felt awkward and just misplaced. I think if they had a matching genre band they may have sold more tickets.
Arkells is a PHENOMENAL act. The energy they bring had TLA jumping from front to back. CANT WAIT for the next US tour to see them again.
Arkells are an amazing live group. Max and Anthony are so engaging with the audience. Venue was nice. It is always fun to see a big band play a small intimate venue.
These guys are killer live and they never disappoint. These small venue shows are intimate and fun. Max engages the crowd and even comes out to sing with the fans. Don’t pass up an opportunity to see them - you’ll leave as a new fan if you haven’t heard them before!
Echoplex had an amazing vibe and aesthetic. I can’t want to see another band perform live
The Arkells say they'll do their best, and they deliver. The music was awesome. Max came down into the audience, his performance highlighted by the flashlights on everyone's phone: it was magical. They had a local sax player who did a bang up job too. It was Mike's birthday and we got to sing happy birthday to him while he got two donuts with candles on them brought to him. The musical "argument" between Tim and Tony was hilarious and really well done. This show filled my heart with a happiness that will stay with me for life.
Arkells put on a great show. Would absolutely recommend even if you don’t know their music.
The energy at an Arkells show is like no other, and this 26 song night was beyond epic.
They are the best performers ever. They engage with the crowd so well while still providing a perfect musical experience. Nothing really compares.
Great music, great sound! Captivating performance by The Arkells!!
Arkells always put on a show but this was just beyond. Such an incredible show ina great venue.
These guys can really put on a show. Unbelievable experience. This was our first show and it will not be our last.
I won tickets to this show from 94.9 The Rock fm . It was an amazing show. Great sound. Loved it
We took our kids and we had tickets in the 300 and they moved us th the 100. Just awesome
This was the 5th time I have seen The Arkells and it was probably my favourite concert ever. They have such a contagious energy when they are performing and the whole crowd gets becomes one with the music. This particular concert was great because it was kind of a "best of" concert, so even if you don't know their older stuff, or don't know their newer stuff, as long as you have heard a couple of their songs you have a place with them! It was also very nice to be back in an arena setting for a concert - really felt like things were back to normal!
terrific band, amazing show, but the sound quality and mix was terrible. overall volume was way too loud, creating distortion, and vocals were being drowned out. this is not some dive bar....how can this venue not be getting it right? disappointing.
Best concert Ive ever seen. Energy was amazing. Cant wait to see The Arkells again!. Only criticism was the sound could have been a little bit better.
Excellent time with the Arkells again! So much energy and talent! Can’t wait to see them again!
I definitely prefer small venues, but this band did such an amazing job with the vibe on this huge crowd! Everyone was on their feet dancing! Event staff was also so helpful and accommodating for our kids first concert!
