Hamilton rock'n'rollers Arkells have unveiled a new single from their upcoming album Rally Cry.
"Relentless" starts off with a sparse verse propelled by frontman Max Kerman's wordy lyrics and emotive voice, before exploding into what will surely be a singalong chorus at the band's future live shows.
The song started off as a demo inspired by afro-pop artist Chicco, leading the band to experiment with sampling for the first time. But it wasn't until hanging out with Paul Langlois of the Tragically Hip that the chorus of the song fell into place.
"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," Kerman said in a statement. "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 [DeAngelis, Arkells guitarist] 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."
The song is also where the Arkells took the new LP's title from. See the full tracklisting for the upcoming album, and give "Relentless" a listen below.
Rally Cry is due out October 19 via Universal Music Canada. It marks the follow-up to 2016's Morning Report.
Rally Cry:
1. Hand Me Downs
2. American Screams
3. Relentless
4. Only For A Moment
5. Show Me Don't Tell Me
6. People's Champ
7. Eyes On The Prize
8. Saturday Night
9. Company Man
10. Don't Be A Stranger
"Relentless" starts off with a sparse verse propelled by frontman Max Kerman's wordy lyrics and emotive voice, before exploding into what will surely be a singalong chorus at the band's future live shows.
The song started off as a demo inspired by afro-pop artist Chicco, leading the band to experiment with sampling for the first time. But it wasn't until hanging out with Paul Langlois of the Tragically Hip that the chorus of the song fell into place.
"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," Kerman said in a statement. "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 [DeAngelis, Arkells guitarist] 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."
The song is also where the Arkells took the new LP's title from. See the full tracklisting for the upcoming album, and give "Relentless" a listen below.
Rally Cry is due out October 19 via Universal Music Canada. It marks the follow-up to 2016's Morning Report.
Rally Cry:
1. Hand Me Downs
2. American Screams
3. Relentless
4. Only For A Moment
5. Show Me Don't Tell Me
6. People's Champ
7. Eyes On The Prize
8. Saturday Night
9. Company Man
10. Don't Be A Stranger
