New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Arkells release their video for "
Relentless" via Universal Music. Premiering via Billboard, "
Relentless" was directed by trusted collaborator & iHeartRadio MMVA winner Mark Myers (Knocking At The Door, Drake's Dad). The cinematic video places the band in surreal and dream-like circumstances bringing a new curious dimension to the anthemic lead single:
"Most songs illicit some immediate visual cues. For a song like Relentless, we knew a few things: we wanted it to be night time. We wanted it to be somewhat mysterious. And we wanted it to be a little strange," explains frontman Max Kerman. "Musically, the song itself is somewhat of a departure for us so we wanted the video to look and feel different from our other videos. Those were the general conversations we had with Mark. He took those ideas and cooked up something we wouldn't have been able to articulate on paper. He said, 'In the darkness, you're chasing for the light.' Relentless is about that."
Relentless is the lead single off Arkells' forthcoming album "Rally Cry," set for release October 19th. Having been released just two weeks ago the single is already the most added track on alternative and rock radio and continues its steady ascent to the top ten.
Arkells shared a first-play of the track on August 29th via a cross-Canada radio premiere where stations across the country broadcasted the first spins simultaneously. The story of "
Relentless" mixes both a new direction in song-writing for the band, plus a fond and heartfelt story, as previously 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."
Fans can currently 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).
In addition to the first single, "
Relentless" and the politically charged, summer-groove tune "People's Champ" fans will get a 3rd taste of Rally Cry tonight, as the band releases "Only For A Moment" - a true to form
Arkells classic, ripe with heartfelt storytelling, that is destined to be a live-show favourite . All 3 songs will be available as instant-grat tracks, from the 10-song studio album.
Regularly credited as one of the hardest working bands (period),
Arkells have stayed ever-present, relentlessly touring in support of their 2016 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."
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
Oct 13 - Austin, TX - AUSTIN CITY LIMITS
Oct 21 - Nov 12 - US TOUR w/ St. Lucia
Nov 16 - Nov 29 - UK/GER Headline Tour
