Sharing a love of the kind of raw, soulful “Springsteenesque” rock that inspires a teen to pick up a guitar and start a band, Arkells formed in Hamilton, ON, in 2006. The ambitious and prolific fivepiece quickly found its groove, and recorded debut EP “Deadlines” in 2007. From the strum of the first track, the six-song EP showcased Arkells’ masterful blending of traditional blues hooks mixed with modern rock-laden riffs, and a touch of classic Motown era rhythms. Their catchy melodies and unbridled energy live garnered critical acclaim with publications like NOW Magazine describing the Arkells as having “an awesome muscular quality that sets it apart from the output of so many of their sad-sack indie rock peers…”

Since the release of “Deadlines” the band has traveled across Canada sharing stages with Tokyo Police Club, Matt Mays & El Torpedo, Danko Jones, Ladyhawk, Alexisonfire, and City and Colour. More recent performances included a stint opening for legendary rockers Black Crowes, MTV Live and V-Fest. With live shows fueling the buzz created by the EP, the band quickly caught the ear of Dine Alone Records (home to Alexisonfire, City and Colour, Bedouin Soundclash, and Moneen).

The Arkells’ first full-length album titled “Jackson Square” (released October, 2008 on Dine Alone) featured undeniably catchy tracks like No Champagne Socialist, Ballad of Hugo Chavez, and Oh, The Boss is Coming! which cracked Top 10 on the BDS Rock Radio charts. “Jackson Square” captured the essence of the band’s hard-hitting live show and their boundless passion for making meaty, rootsy rock that any listener can relate to.

With their growing success and rapidly expanding fan base, the band hit the festival circuit hard in 2009 sharing stages with legends Pearl Jam at V-Fest in Calgary, and The Tragically Hip for a number of shows in Ontario.

Highlights of the year included an invitation to perform at the prestigious NHL Awards in Las Vegas, and winning the 2009 Galaxie Rising Star Award of the CBC, which recognizes and champions up-and-coming Canadian artists.

Lauded as “the band to look out for” after a blistering performances at SXSW — sharing the stage with acts like Sam Roberts, Black Lips and Primal Scream – Arkells prepare to take Canada by storm on their first headlining tour in the Fall of 2009.

For more on Arkells, visit: http://www.arkells.ca