Arkells

Arkells bring their melody-driven, big-hearted rock to Midway Music Hall in Edmonton on May 17, 2026. Formed in the mid-2000s in Hamilton, the band started out as Charlemagne before taking the name Arkells from a street in their neighborhood. Built around the voice and pen of Max Kerman, the quintet has shaped a sound that blends indie and alternative rock with pop sensibilities and a touch of soul, carried by guitars, keyboards and, at times, brass.

From the direct hooks of Jackson Square to the more keyboard-forward Michigan Left and High Noon, the group has steadily widened its palette. Morning Report and Rally Cry pushed deeper into groove and horn arrangements, while Campfire Chords offered a stripped-back take on their catalog. Blink Once and Blink Twice leaned into collaborations and varied textures, and Laundry Pile circled back to tight, song-first writing.

On stage, Arkells stitch these eras into a set that swings from chant-ready choruses to quieter, acoustic-leaning moments, with room for keys, guitars and occasional horns to trade the spotlight. Expect a show that moves, revisiting early staples and recent cuts alike, with the band’s collective drive at the center of it all, right up close in a room built for singalongs.