Beloved by Indie music fans across the UK, the four-piece band from Manchester, Arkayla, made their stop at King Tuts Wah Wah Hut for their fourth night of their UK tour. After releasing a brand new EP titled ‘Back To Belle Vue’ in August of this year, debuting three new releases, (‘Vivian’, ‘My Number’, ‘Doba’), alongside Arkayla’s anthem, ‘Run kid’ which was featured as a single prior to the release of the EP. After becoming a true established name in the hearts of the underground Indie music scene, Glasgow were sure to make clear their love for the band after selling out the iconic King Tuts venue, with eager fans queuing outside the venue and snaking down St Vincent Street to capture a good look at the band in action. With an arguably perfect support for Arkayla, ‘Cherryholt’ a quick rising indie band sharing a similar sound, Arkayla fans were truly in for a carefully curated night of Indie screamers.
Photo credits | Robbie Miller
Before Arkayla had took the stage, there was a tension in the air fuelled soley by excited fans. As the speakers blasted some of the UK’s most recognisable songs from the best Brit-pop albums, such as ‘Morning Glory’ and ‘I am the resurrection’, King Tuts seen the true effect of music lovers as the crowd sang along to the songs, jumping in the air with a sense of true undeniable connection and mutual appreciation for the scene of UK independent music.
After a well anticipated wait, Arkayla finally took the stage. almost immediately, they dove into their first song of the night ‘Doba’, which couldn’t have been a better opener. The bass player, ‘Joe Harley’, opens this song with an instantly recognisable riff, causing the energy of the already excitable crowd to burst into screams instantly. ‘Doba’, being Arkayla’s opening number of the set, immediately set the tone for the rest of the gig ahead. Continuing on with their set, within the first chords of Arkayla’s ‘Fortune Teller’, from their 2025 EP (DON’T LOOK FOR ANSWERS), the crowd erupted into singing along with the band, not missing a single beat with every lyric. There was a clear sense of united atmosphere within the crowd as Arkayla’s music, old and new, has clearly resonated with the fans.
Photo credits | Robbie Miller
Touching in on new music, Arkayla debuted a new song titled ‘The Middle’ at their King Tuts headline show. Through listening to this brand new song, it was made incredibly clear that Arkayla’s creative songwriting talents are not to be underestimated in the slightest. With a clear influence from Disco and UK dance music genres when building the foundation of this inevitable new hit, Arkayla reminded the crowd of the true definition of the Indie genre, being Independent music. It was incredible to be able to witness a band slapping the stereotypical Indie band title away, remaining true to their usual sound but creating a song so unexpected and catchy, turning King Tuts into the likes of a nightclub just for one song. As singer/guitarist Cal Blakebrough plays keys for ‘The Middle’, it was made clear that Arkayla were looking to experiment, and experiment they did, showing no end or limitations to the creativity of the band.
As Arkayla fans are already aware, it wouldn’t be an Arkayla gig without mosh-pits. The first of the night was seen during ‘Lost in a Valentine’, the bands 2024 Single, proving that even two years on, the significance of Arkayla’s music will never wear out or be replaced. Disregarding the multiple pits seen during this song, the crowd again proved to the band that their place at one of Glasgows most iconic venues was more than deserving. However, fans proved that one was not enough, as many others followed throughout the night, including the well-known mosh pit during ‘Run Kid’, which was heavily anticipated as their closing song.
Photo credits | Robbie Miller
Through the debut of a new song, high crowd engagement with the band themselves, and delivering a fantastic set of all both well-known and well-loved tunes, Arkayla’s pit stop at Glasgows King Tuts was a truly unforgettable night for both the crowd and the band. Arkayla fans knew exactly what to expect, and the band delivered and more, proving that there is nothing stopping Arkayla’s ongoing rise across major venues, with only major growth to be expected. As Arkayla’s tour continues on through other major cities across the UK, the sellout crowd at King Tuts can only anticipate a return with open arms, reminiscing on such a night. Showing zero hesitancy from Manchesters Arkayla upon entering a completely new area of fans, far from local, it is safe to say that Arkayla have found their new home in Glasgow.