Arkells live in Halifax

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Arkells live in Halifax

September 30, 2022 saw the return of Arkells live in Halifax kicking off the first day of their Blink Once/Twice tour, accompanied by fellow Canadian electropop rocker Lights. To commemorate Truth and Reconciliation Day, orange shirts were spotted throughout the crowd as well as on stage throughout the night.

Lights

I’d heard that Lights puts on an incredible show and the rumors did not disappoint. She hit the stage with her song “Prodigal Daughter,” the first single from her album PEP that dropped in April of this year. She played an impressive set that dove through most of her discography, featuring other songs such as “Siberia” and, my personal favourite, 2014’s Little Machines single “Up We Go.” She danced her way up and down the runway-like stage, engaging with the adoring crowd and amping them up for the headliner. If Lights hits the road again soon to support the release of PEP, I hope she returns to Halifax! I’m happy I finally got to see her perform and would love to catch another live set.

Arkells

Halifax loves the Canadian rockers Arkells, there’s no doubt about it. When the house lights dimmed and the stage lights came on, the crowd erupted in cheer. The band burst onto the stage, jumping right into their song “Past Life” from their album Blink Twice, which was released just one week before this show. “It’s been 1071 days since we’ve been to Halifax!” vocalist Max Kerman proclaimed to fans that had taken over the Scotiabank Centre. Everyone on stage brought nonstop energy for every single song and the audience made sure to keep up. They performed a great set fan favourites such as “Leather Jacket,” “Quitting You,” and the fan-requested “Abigail.” They even whipped out a cover of ABBA’s “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)” during their encore along with some newer tracks.

This was my first time catching Arkells live in Halifax and I was impressed by their stage presence; this is a band that never seems to stand still. As they continue their boomerang cross-country tour, local fans are still reveling from a night of great music and incredible performances. The band loves our city as much as it loves them. Hopefully it won’t be another 1071 days before their next show!