Arkells

Formed in the mid-2000s in Hamilton, Ontario, Arkells push a hook-forward blend of indie and alternative rock with pop sensibilities and a touch of soul. First known as Charlemagne, they took the Arkells name from their neighborhood and built a tight unit around singer Max Kerman. Early on, Jackson Square set the tone with driving guitars and gang vocals. Michigan Left and High Noon opened the door to bigger melodies and keyboards, while Morning Report and Rally Cry leaned further into brass, grooves and bright pop textures. The stripped-back Campfire Chords offered an acoustic look at their catalog, followed by the two-part Blink Once and Blink Twice, full of collaborations. Laundry Pile circled back to a more intimate, song-first approach.

At Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver on May 10, 2026, Arkells roll out a set that threads these chapters together: choral refrains built for singalongs, storytelling lyrics, sharp guitars, warm keys and horn flourishes when the moment calls for it. From early staples to recent cuts, the show balances punch and melody, with room for a quieter breather nodding to their acoustic side, and the collective energy that has shaped their live identity across clubs, festivals and theaters.