Arkayla is a name that everyone’s beginning to know of, taking on the indie-rock music scene with their incredible live shows and consistently releasing music that people just simply can’t stop listening to. They’ve lived up to their lyrics of ‘Run Kid’ as they’re running faster than they’ve ever done, they’re working on a new EP whilst on their sold-out UK tour, supporting big acts and taking to festival stages; never once slowing down or missing their opportunities. They took to the stage of the Garage Attic Bar in Glasgow to a sold-out crowd, to show everyone exactly why they are the next big thing in the indie music scene.
The night started with a band from North Wales opening up the stage, Roscoe. They were full of confidence as the crowd embraced their music straight away, an alternative rock band whose music pulls you in from their instrumentals to the vocals and their overall presence. It’s always important to go to gigs early, and catch the support. They’re handpicked by the headliners, and it gives you the opportunity to discover someone you may not have previously known. In this instance, Roscoe has been on repeat for me since the gig, their music has direction and the talent they possess calls for them to deserve much more recognition than they currently have.
Excitement filled the intimate venue as the time edged closer to Arkayla’s set time. One of the best moments of a gig is that shared feeling of anticipation as everyone in the room is waiting for the band together. Once Arkayla stepped on stage and the first chords of ‘Lost In A Valentine’ were strummed on the guitar, with Cal’s vocals filling the room, the energy was immaculate. The crowd didn’t miss a beat as they joined in on the song, Arkayla’s fanbase is strong and it’s evident from the energy that the crowd produced from the very start.
The Manchester four-piece have two EP’s released, along with singles, these songs are always a joy to listen to, but hearing them live is always unreal. The energy they pack into their live performances is admirable, with their unique guitar riffs, energetic drum lines and the bass that commands your attention; these elements make each song memorable and are the perfect combination to keep everyone listening. The band have such a clear friendship on stage that makes it enjoyable to watch, the music is always ten times better to listen to when the band on stage undoubtedly enjoy performing with each other and there’s a clear pride for what they’ve created. There’s something about Arkayla’s live music that feels hard to describe, it’s simply just fun. It’s fun to sing along and jump to, the lyrics are like stories in many of the songs and they never fail to ensure the crowd is having a night that they won’t forget.
One thing that this tour is doing is building anticipation. Playing new songs from their upcoming EP, they’re taking their music further, trying new things that work perfectly as they evolve and grow as a band. With new music like ‘Doba Doba’ which follows the story of Aleksander Doba, a Polish kayaker who passed away just after reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro. I always enjoy when bands take a moment to share the story behind a song, especially one that the crowd doesn’t know yet, it allows us to learn about the song we’re about to hear and appreciate the storytelling, especially when it’s unreleased and could be some people’s first time hearing it. The band’s new music is incredible, it’s easily going to push them even further.
Arkayla are climbing festival bills all summer, they’re busy and already have an almost sold-out UK tour planned for September which will be one to check out if you can. They are unstoppable and they aren’t afraid to make their mark as they continue putting on energetic and fresh performances, as well as creating new music that will be highly anticipated once the EP is announced and ready to preorder. The passion and talent that the band possess means that they aren’t going to stop, they’re a band to watch and begin supporting because their success is inevitable at the moment, and they definitely aren’t a waste of time.