Arkells drop new album 'Between Us', frontman Max Kerman chats with SWOMP about the record

Arkells have released their new album Between Us today, marking the latest chapter for the nine-time Juno Award-winning group as they prepare for an extensive run of live shows across Canada and beyond. The album, released April 17 through Universal Music Canada and Virgin Music Group, was produced and recorded in Los Angeles with Grammy Award-winning producer John Congleton, known for his work with artists including St. Vincent and Death Cab for Cutie. SWOMP caught up with frontman Max Kerman to talk about the album. Between Us features previously released singles “Ride” featuring GROUPLOVE, “Next Summer,” and “Money” featuring Portugal. The Man, alongside the track “What Good?” and the newly released “What’s On Your Mind” featuring Poolside. On the latest single, Kerman said the band aimed to capture a hypnotic, groove-driven feel. “We wanted a song that felt hypnotic—where the chords don’t move much, and the rhythm and melody do all the heavy lifting. It’s my favourite thing about seeing dance music live: how it can loop and loop and loop, and the longer it goes, the better it feels. We went deep into synth-world on this one.” He added: “we toured with Poolside and saw the power of repetition. What restraint can offer to the crowd. The patience of building a song with the groove dictating everything. The song was just about finished when we asked Poolside to add some shine to it all. Our music has ended up in all kinds of places, and we hope this ends up on some dance floors.” The release follows a high-profile performance at the Juno Awards in March, where Arkells performed “Ride” alongside GROUPLOVE in their hometown of Hamilton. In support of the album, the band is embarking on a 2026 tour focused on smaller, more intimate venues, including a series of “city takeovers” across western Canada and multiple nights in Toronto. Many of the shows sold out quickly, with the band revisiting venues they have not played in more than a decade. The North American run begins next week with two sold-out album release shows in Buffalo, N.Y., before continuing through the United States and Canada into the summer. Arkells said the Between Us tour is designed to create “unique experiences in a variety of settings,” emphasizing up-close performances that reflect the band’s long-standing connection with fans. The Hamilton-based group has built a reputation for blending alt-rock, soul, indie and modern R&B influences, while maintaining a focus on communal, high-energy live shows that have helped cement their status as one of Canada’s most recognizable rock acts. Follow the band at https://www.arkellsmusic.com/. Photo Credit: Nathan Nash