Arkells Announce New Album, RALLY CRY

Following the announcement of their new studio album out October 19, Rally Cry, Arkells drop lead single "Relentless" via Last Gang/eOne today.

The story of "Relentless" mixes both a new direction in songwriting 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 (who earlier this month guest hosted Slate magazine's podcast "The Gist" with Daniel Dale of the Toronto Star), 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," Kerman continued. "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 "Relentless" and the politically charged, summer-groove tune "People's Champ" will be available for instant download from the 10-song studio album.

ARKELLS

RALLY CRY

RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 19, 2018

UNIVERSAL MUSIC CANADA

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

Regularly credited as one of the hardest working bands (period), Arkells have stayed ever-present, relentlessly touring in support of their 2016 Canadian gold-certified release Morning Report, which was extended by the surprise release of "Knocking At The Door" - the 14-week #1 smash, which became the most played alt-rock song of the year.

The cycle included festival stops from Coachella to Lollapalooza, career first television appearances at the iHeartRadioMMVAs and NHL Awards, plus a surprise viral trip to the 2018 Olympics in South Korea. As Kerman said preciously: "On our last album, Morning Report, we dipped our toes into the water, and learned that the boldest and most gratifying ideas were the ones where we took the biggest chances. That record emboldened us and gave us confidence to trust our instincts even more. On Rally Cry, we've risen to the challenge and we're playing for keeps. We can't wait to share it and play it live."