So I wasn’t expecting to see Hamilton band Arkells in Vancouver playing such a small venue.
The band is currently in the city for their Between Us City Takeover tour, and I caught night two of three at Hollywood Theatre (First night was at the Penthouse and last night is the Commodore Ballroom).
The last time I saw them in an intimate venue was at Barrymore’s back in 2008, so this felt like a full-circle moment.
It was a very straightforward live show — no bells and whistles, just the band delivering the kind of anthemic music you can sing along and have fun to.
Arkells are currently promoting their new album Between Us, which made up the entire first act of the night.
The second act shifted into fan-favourite hits from across their discography, turning the theatre into one giant singalong.
Opening the night was Ernesto Barahona, whose trombone-DJ set did a great job hyping up the crowd before the band hit the stage.
Overall, it was a fun and nostalgic night seeing Arkells back in a smaller room again.
Check out the gallery.
