Events

[INDIE] Buffalo’s love for Hamilton, Ontario five-piece Arkells is well documented, and the band tends to sell out whenever they come to play here. Barely nine months ago they filled Town Ballroom two nights in a row and now, on Saturday, August 19, they’re at Artpark. Still supporting last year’s Morning Report (Last Gang Records/eOne) Arkells have reached a new pinnacle of maturity, but that doesn’t mean they’ve stopped having fun. And they did it while working with a total of four producers – something that’s usually associated with difficult divas like Chaka Khan or Madonna. Nonetheless, Morning Report is surprisingly cohesive. Front man Max Kerner’s songwriting delves deep into the dilemma that faces many a man his age: is it time to grow up? Report plays out like a soundtrack to the warring halves of a dude in his late 20’s or early 30’s that’s having trouble saying goodbye to his crazy bachelor days and suiting up for the dreaded adulting that lies ahead. Perhaps appropriately, it’s a less hook-laden set than 2014’s double Juno Award winning High Noon, opting instead for a contemplative, laid-back approach to match the tone. But Arkells still bring the party to their live gigs, forcing crowds onto their feet for a bouncing, sweaty good time that’ll leave your ears ringing and might require a little morning-after aspirin. Thankfully, it’s a Friday gig. Artpark is staging this in a “general admission bowl” formation, which means tickets are a flat $40 and no lawn chair seating will be permitted. Gates are at 5pm and openers Atlas Genius play at 6pm.