AWmusic

Since recently being signed at the beginning of the year to Dine Alone Records (same label as City & Colour, Bedouin Soundclash), Hamilton, ON’s Arkells are truly one of Canada’s up-and-coming rockers. The band has since released their EP “Deadlines” and shared the stage with such bands as Tokyo Police Club, Cuff the Duke, Matt Mays & El Torpedo and Alexisonfire. The five-piece band is made up of Nick Dika on bass, Max Kerman and Mike DeAngelis on guitar and vocals, Tim Oxford on drums and Dan Griffin on the keyboard.

Nowadays, it is difficult to find a sound as authentic as Arkells’. It’s also comforting to know that Canada is home to a band that knows how to rock as hard as these guys do. Their sound is a mix of rock riffs, soul, and blues. Jackson Square is a compilation of catchy songs that, from the first listen, you’re instantly hooked. After I listened to “Deadlines”, (when it was the iTunes free single of the week off Jackson Square that came out a few weeks ago), I immediately bought rest of the album. The first single off Jackson Square, “Oh, the Boss Is Coming!” rocks pretty hard with a crazy rhythm and hard-hitting vocals. A personal favourite is “Heart of the City”, an energetic tune with a drum-heavy beat. “Where did all the good plans go?” asks the band on “Abigail”; a slower paced song with handclaps and a catchy chorus.

Overall, this is a fantastic debut album which will hopefully bring on some well-deserved attention and success. Musically, Arkells hold nothing back: their sound is original, unrestrained and just plain awesome. There catchy songs are tons of fun and, according to YouTube, they’re awesome live. To hear more from Arkells, check out their MySpace.

Arkells – Heart of the City.mp3
Arkells – John Lennon.mp3
Arkells – Oh, the Boss Is Coming!.mp3

Tags: album