Arkells

Arkells bring their melodic, story-driven rock to Hollywood Theatre in Vancouver on May 9, 2026. Born out of Hamilton’s campus scene in the mid-2000s, the Canadian five-piece built their identity on tight guitars, big group vocals and lyrics rooted in everyday life. Led by Max Kerman, they first broke through with Jackson Square, then widened the palette with keyboards and a pop sensibility on Michigan Left and High Noon. Brass and soul colors crept in on Rally Cry, while Campfire Chords stripped favorites back to their acoustic bones.

More recently, the twin releases Blink Once and Blink Twice opened the door to collaborations with Tegan and Sara, Lights, Cold War Kids and Cœur de pirate, before Laundry Pile circled back to more intimate songwriting. On stage, Arkells lean into that full spectrum: punchy rockers, warm keys, flashes of R&B and choruses made for communal sing-alongs. It’s a set that can jump from early anthems to newer cuts without losing the thread, anchored by a band that plays as a unit and keeps the focus on the songs.