9X JUNO Award winners “Between Us is about connection –– not the hollow online kind we get when we’re scrolling –– but about the feeling we get in a shared space, appreciating the little gifts we offer one another, simply by existing with others, explains frontman Max Kerman. “Friends or strangers. A band and an audience. It’s a call to remember that connection.”
Arkells’ most recent tour dates previewing Between Us have largely gotten up-close and personal, striving to create unique experiences in a variety of settings. Win-to-get-in fan-forward experiences have seen shows in an alley-way garage, a fallsview-suite overlooking one of nature’s greatest wonders, and a neighbourhood ice cream shop. Upcoming tour dates have scaled into wide ranging and nostalgic venues that bring the band and audience that much closer.Stream + share Between Us now: https://arkells.lnk.to/betweenus
Arkells’ new album Between Us is produced by LA based John Congleton (St. Vincent, Death Cab for Cutie, Wallows). Comprised of 11 tracks, Between Us includes the previously released collaborative standouts, including the latest release, “What’s On Your Mind?,”the disco-esque track is a synth-heavy, indie pop-rock gem, enhanced even further with the distinct sound of San Francisco’s chill-wave kings Poolside. Additional collaborative tracks include the politically charged radio single, “Money” (featuring Portugal. The Man), and the breezy tune, “Ride” (featuring GROUPLOVE) which they took to the stage at last month’s JUNO Awards in the group’s hometown of Hamiton, ON at the TD Coliseum. The band performed the upbeat track amidst a hyper-realistic viewer engaged set that integrated greenery and Truman-esque break in the fourth wall bike riding.
Additional tracks on the new album span across multiple musical genres and eras from the the stripped back, “Desire’s Got Some Questions,” and the midtempo guitar driven “Universe Talking” to the more classic indie rock “Two Hearts.” Freshly teased “Imagine Barcelona”- a dreamy, earnest love song, is sure to be a fan favourite. Arkells bring a mischievous sound to the forefront on “Rumour,” before bringing the record to a close with the aching track with winding chords, “Escape Door.”
Between Us is available now for in physical formats including vinyl, CD and signed edition grass-green vinyl. The cover was shot by Boston-based artist and photographerPelle Cass, who photographed the vibrant image of Arkells atop Hamilton’s Jackson Square rooftop – a nod to their roots.
