ARKELLS AT SLEEMAN CENTRE IN GUELPH
The cool bite in the air in Guelph, Ontario didn’t keep Arkells fans away. The sold out arena hosted fans dressed in satin Arkells jackets, other merch throughout their previous album eras, and some dressed like lead singer Max Kerman; in a black jacket with rainbow fringes on the sleeves. A new piece of merch showed off the band’s pride for their hometown of Hamilton, Ontario by having a picture of the iconic globe shaped water tower that’s off the highway in the city.
The one and only opener COIN took the stage to an apathetic, but attentive small crowd around the catwalk of the stage. The youthful band could tell the crowd was just chilling out, so they played their alt-pop tunes and seemed like they were enjoying the music to themselves. Lead singer Chase Lawrence became ecstatic at different moments of their songs by jumping around on the catwalk, jumping off the drumset, and pressing the keys on his keyboard intensely. His voice was strong, but in a relaxed tone. I liked that they weren’t desperately trying to hype up the crowd by telling them to do things like wave their hands or go “whoa-oh!” They just did their thing, enjoyed their own songs, and let people do as they pleased. One of their tracks, and their biggest single, toward the end “Talk Too Much” seemed to attract some fans with its playful energy, swanky guitar, and teenage feel.
The Arkells fivesome then arrived on stage with their extensive supporting brass band who sported those black, satin merch jackets. Max Kerman was flashy in his black suit with silver fringes on parts of it, and a cowboy hat. He was prancing up and down the catwalk while singing to the opening track “Hand Me Downs” from their newest album from last year ‘Rally Cry’. Max introduced the band as a “rock ‘n’ roll gospel”, which through the night, felt like an accurate description of themselves. The gospel part came from the feel good, catchiness of their music, but the rock ‘n’ roll feeling came from the occasional swearing and their earlier indie rock songs. Max took a moment to tell the audience that last time they played the Sleeman Centre was opening for Canadian icons, The Tragically Hip. He also mentioned how Hillside Festival, hosted in Guelph, was one of their first gigs that gained them fans. so they have a lot of love for Guelph. As charming as Max was, he didn’t let all the attention fall on him. He highlighted all of his band mates and the brass section who played with them for more of their newer material. However, he had his way to bring it back to him by going onto the general admission floor and starting a conga line with fans.
For every show on their “Rally Cry” tour, they had set up a song request phone line so when each show date came, they’d pull up an old telephone booth on stage and “answer” a call. The caller would say who they were, which show they were attending, and request a song that means something to them; which they’d then play. Another way they brought people together was starting the very romantic song “And Then Some” and told couples to gather around Max, who sung into a flower decorated microphone while the couples slow danced around him. He mentioned how many fans choose that song for their wedding because of the lyrics, which are very sweet.
Max then changed into his iconic rainbow fringe jacket, and they finished out their set with fans finally loosening up. The whole room came alive, waving and dancing around. The audience was then encouraged to wrap their arms around the people next to them. Again, a very sweet, warm way for the fans to feel a good connection.
Arkells are becoming so beloved in Canada for their shows that make people feel warm inside, but also fill them with a burst of energy. They create an atmosphere that makes you forget about the dullness and greyness life can be, and instead be colourful, loosen up for one night, and make some friends. Their visuals are super fun for fans to connect and dress up with, but mostly their lyrics really connect with fans. They have uplifting lyrics, cutesy I-have-a-crush-on-you type of lyrics, nostalgic lyrics, and genuinely romantic as hell lyrics. They just make music about things that make you feel good, but not in a cheesy way because that ain’t rock ‘n’ roll.