ARKELLS RELEASE NEW SINGLE “RELENTLESS” FROM UPCOMING ALBUM RALLY CRY
UNIVERSAL MUSIC
Following the announcement of their highly anticipated new studio album, Rally Cry, today Arkells drop lead single “Relentless” today.
Arkells shared a first-play of the track via a cross-Canada radio premiere, in which stations across the country broadcasted the first spins simultaneously last night at 9pm EST. The story of “Relentless” mixes both a new direction in song-writing for the band, plus a fond and heartfelt story, as told by frontman, Max Kerman:
“My dad showed me this South African artist named Chicco and this tune of his with this afro-pop, keyboard driven, epic, cinematic groove. We were so inspired by it, we ended up sampling a track for the first time and worked collectively to build a tune around it. Rock bands aren’t as known to dip their toe into the sample world, but in 2018 we’re game to throw all conventional rules out the window. It became the band’s favourite demo while recording but didn’t have a chorus yet – beyond the word ‘Relentless.’”
While on tour last fall, Kerman and lead-guitarist Mike DeAngelis went out for a beer with Paul Langlois of The Tragically Hip, before Arkells’ Kingston show. “We talked a lot about being in a band that day. We talked a lot about Gord, and how much Paul adored him. There was one anecdote that we all got a chuckle from,” reveals Kerman: “He said that even when Gord was sick and was going through treatment, he’d say to Paul ‘we made a record right, and we’re gonna tour it right?’ Mike D. laughed and added ‘lead singers man, they never want to stop eh?’ To which Paul responded: ‘Ever since I knew him, he was relentless. Like a dog on a bone.’ And that old expression hit me – there was our chorus. And then I was thinking about the idea of being a part of something bigger than myself,” furthered Kerman. “I was thinking about the band, and how we lean on each other, and how each guy brings something different, but contributes to a larger idea. We find strength in each other. In being relentless.”
Starting today, fans can pre-order Rally Cry, which is produced by Eric Ratz (Knocking At The Door, Leather Jacket), mixed by Mark Needham (The Killers, Fleetwood Mac) and mastered by Greg Calbi (Arcade Fire, Kacy Musgraves). Both the first single, “Relentless” and the politically charged, summer-groove tune “People’s Champ” will be available as instant-grat tracks, from the 10-song studio album.
Arkells
Rally Cry
(Universal Music)
Release Date: October 19, 2018
Pre-Order Rally Cry HERE
Rally Cry Tracklisting
1. Hand Me Downs
2. American Screams
3. Relentless
4. Only For A Moment
5. Show Me Don’t Tell Me
6. People’s Champ
7. Eyes On The Prize
8. Saturday Night
9. Company Man
10. Don’t Be A Stranger