Indie risers Arkayla release debut EP, ‘Ella Malone.’
Manchester-based quartet Arkayla released their debut EP, ‘Ella Malone,’ on October 11th, and it's already turning heads. The four-track record showcases the band’s exceptional ability to balance decade-spanning indie rock influences with a fresh, modern sound.
Since their formation in 2020, Arkayla have soared through the indie music scene, bursting onto the radar with a series of high-energy singles that have earned them widespread acclaim and a fiercely loyal fanbase.
The band, consisting of frontman Cal Blakebrough (vocals/guitar), Finely Rubens (guitar), Theo Savage (bass), and Patrick Hanbury (drums), took the challenges of the pandemic as an opportunity to hone their craft. Swapping ideas and sharing dreams during lockdown, they emerged post-pandemic with a sound that was ready to shake the foundations of Manchester’s vibrant music scene.
Their debut single, ‘Calling Time,’ released last year, quickly garnered attention, not only in their hometown but also on a national scale. Since then, the group’s sound, a blend of guitar riffs reminiscent of The Smiths and the melodic charm of The La’s, has earned them support from the likes of BBC Radio 6’s Guy Garvey and Radio X’s John Kennedy.
First up on the EP, is the title song, which wraps the band’s signature indie soundscapes in a dreamy, nostalgic hue. This track is infused with Beatle-esque harmonies and descending guitar chords, giving the song’s tone a vintage twang, whilst still feeling refreshingly current. Speaking on the origins of the single, guitarist Fin describes the song’s significance to the group:
“Anyone who has been a long-time follower of our band knows just how long this song has been around. We first wrote it back in 2018 before we even had a clear vision for what we would be as a group. It’s been a fan favourite at all our live shows, in fact I don’t think we’ve ever played a gig without it. To finally be able to say it’s out now after all these years is just mad. We hope you love it as much as we do.”
The second track, ‘Rita,’ is an energetic summer anthem that tells the story of a woman “feeling ready to die for the fame.” Infused with bossa nova beats and vibrant Brazilian rhythms, the song captures a lively spirit that is impossible to resist.
Next up, ‘Lost In A Valentine’ is a tribute of some sorts, exploring the complex feeling of wishing to escape one’s hometown. The track begins with Blakebrough’s striking vocals taking centre stage, before evolving into a medley of radiant guitar chords and crashing cymbals, capturing the youthful energy of the record.
And finally, the EP ends with ‘Falling Down,’ a song which lead vocalist, Cal describes as “The Strokes meets The Smiths, which I think is a great combo.” Tapping into their signature indie rock energy for this last track, the band demonstrates their dynamic musicality and charismatic presence as the EP draws to a close.