Arkells return with their upcoming album ‘Between Us’, set for release April 17 through Universal Music Canada and Virgin Music Group. The 11-track record was produced and recorded in Los Angeles with Grammy Award–winning producer John Congleton, known for his work with artists such as St. Vincent and Death Cab for Cutie. The album introduces a new era for the band and, with a number of singles already released from the album, fans should have a good idea of what to expect from the collection.
Lead single “Next Summer” highlights the album’s themes of reflection and uncertainty about the future. Frontman Max Kerman describes the song as a reflection on past experiences while considering what the future may hold. The track also kicks off the album with, as we head into a few weeks of reasonably pleasant Spring weather, the kind of upbeat, sunshine-soaked melody that really sets the tone for the months ahead.
From there, ‘Between Us’ finds Arkells building their sound around a core of jangly, easily digestible indie-pop with the odd trip outside that formula. “What Good?”, for example, is a quirky slice of sassy pop, while “Ride”, the first of a number of collaborations on the record, sees the Arkells team up with GROUPLOVE for a piano-led romp.
As you listen to the album, you can almost write the jangly pop blueprint which the band follow through the course of the record. However, while the easy listening tempo puts this album in danger of fading into the background, thankfully there are enough tracks like “What Good?” and the Summertime rock of “Imagine Barcelona” where the band drag your attention back into the room again.
“Money (ft. Portugal. The Man)”, like much of the material on ‘Between Us’, follows a simple structure but one that digs its hooks into you almost instantaneously. “Desires Got Some Questions” is the lighters/phone lights out tearjearker of the album while “Two Hearts” is more uptempo indie pop which has that blue collar rock feel of bands like The Gaslight Anthem minus the New Jersey grit.
While the album is, for the best part, full of easy listening indie pop, Arkells do show that they’re not afraid to throw in the odd curveball. Towards the rear of the album the quirky electro pop funk of “Rumour” will certainly make you sit up and pay attention.
‘Between Us’ isn’t the kind of album that is going to get regular spins from anyone who likes their music to have a bit of punch but, if you’re looking for an easy, infectious slice of contemporary Canadian indie-pop which throws up the odd surprise or two along the way, you won’t go far wrong with ‘Between Us’.
‘Between Us’ is released on April 17th. Pre-order your copy here.
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