Written by Becca Kathleen                                                    Photography by Cerys Mcallister 

Glasgow Art School have done it again, hosting Canadian band ‘Arkells’ to kick of their 2026 tour. The quintet, having released music since 2008 are veterans in the American music industry, having opened for the Jonas Brothers, Augustine’s and The Who. The JUNO Award’s ‘Group Of The Year’ are no stranger to a cover of a pop banger alongside their iconic set, including Charli XCX’s tune ‘I Love It’ in their performance. 

Upon entering Art School, the blue stage lighting set the scene for the night of music ahead, as well a lively crowd - even when the doors had just opened. The band’s pre-playlist was filled with iconic pop tunes you couldn’t miss, including the likes of Harry Styles ‘Aperture’, leaving the crowd excited for the support act.  

The room went silent and anticipation hit for the opening acts arrival, Ernest Trombono (Ernest Barahona). Wearing chic sunglasses the entire crowd would like a pair of and a pretty decent hat, the DJ set began. To the crowds surprise, the opener pulled out a trombone. In addition to performing an intricate DJ set, the solo performer also played impressive trombone sections throughout, bringing smooth transitions and an energy to Art School that it has never seen before. Trombono’s set list was particularly captivating, having included pop hits such as; “Murder On The Dancefloor”, “Electric Feel”, ”Mr Brightside” and an impressive rendition of “Voulez-Vouz.” This support was unlike anything I have seen before. 

After the opening set, it was time for a quick break and a drink before Arkells took to the stage. With an unusual opening backing track, the quintet had just started their headline show. The group started their set with the 4th song off their newest album “Between Us” – “Money”, exploring humanity’s complicated relationship with wealth, capitalism and ambition. The crowd were graced with a seriously strong guitar riff as well as a chorus you can recite after hearing once. The track blends shimmering synths from main pianist Anthony Carone and predominant bassist Nika Dika, being the perfect opening song to a performance.  

After introducing their set and reminding the crowd how happy they are to be back in Scotland, the band played iconic tunes ‘Come To Light’ and ‘Relentless’. By this point it is understandable that Arkells have found their sound and followed it all the way from 2008, modernizing the alternative, pop-rock sound they created at the beginning. 

By the fourth song ‘Past Life’ singer and guitarist Max Kerman was swinging the mic stand round the stage, before transitioning into the passionate, brilliantly key driven fifth tune ‘Next Summer’. On the build up to ‘What’s Good’ Kerman gave the crowd some words of wisdom: 

“Trust the sun in Glasgow, the moon any night of the year, trust 

 the bartender over at the bar – make some noise for  

the bartenders!!” The crowd cheers. “You con trust  

Ernest Trombone on his first time in Glasgow.” 

After an energetic first half of the set, Arkells brought down the mood with ‘Skin’, a song about choosing to love more purposefully, past surface level attraction and finding meaning through growing within a relationship. With lyrics you can feel and being a song that transpires you into a memory of your own, it was clear on the first listen of the track that the 5-piece know how to write a song that speaks for itself. The tune is simple but groundbreaking all at the same time, using acoustic guitars, bass, piano and drums to communicate the songs softness. After performing the ballad, Kerman reminded the crowd of his love for Scotland. 

“It’s been 3 years since we’ve been in Scotland, it’s great to be back.” 

It was then straight into the next song ‘Barcelona’, it was at this point it was noticeable just how talented the groups pianist, Anthony Carone truly is. With a keys arrangement so fast and precise you could not even follow, Carone effortlessly showed his musical passion to the entirety of Glasgow. The artists introduced the song as being about their only trip to Barcelona, where it was clear the locals “complain about the tourists from the UK too much.” 

It was clear at this point the night of live music was close to an end, with multiple appearances from the memorable opener Ernest Trombone, campfire style ballads and covers from various artists.  

The band performed a cover of ‘I Love It’ by Charli XCX. The crowd was bouncing for the hit that we simply cannot escape, screaming the lyrics to the tracwe know and love. 

The five-piece ended their set with ‘Knocking at the Door’ from their 2017 album ‘Morning Report’, a high-energy song, blending indie-rock with alternative genres. The tune is one the audience knew confidently, with he crowd ecstatically cheering with the realisation of the song they were playing, similar to the likes of their covers.  

Arkells headline gig at Glasgow Art School is one to remember, blending various genres and instruments in a way I personally have never seen before as well as creating collaborations you usually won’t assume. Ernest Trombone’s opening set was specifically captivating blending instruments with mixed and pre-recorded music. The solo sax player also joining Arkells on stage was particularly enjoyable, mixing indie-rock with perfectly curated trombone arrangements. Arkells show a passion than some find difficult, consistently playing every show as if it’s their last, showing that they’ve mastered their craft in a way that seems effortless. Behind The Mic is very excited to see what Arkells does next and you should be too. 

Arkells Full Setlist – Glasgow Art School (24th September 2026)  

MONEY  

COME TO LIGHT 

RELENTLESS 

PAST LIFE 

NEXT SUMMER 

WHAT GOOD 

SKIN 

BARCELONA 

QUITTING YOU 

HANDSHAKE THUGS 

YEARS 

WHISTLEBLOWER 

A LITTLE RAIN 

RIDE 

11:11 

I LOVE IT  

LEATHER JACKET, 

YCGI  

KNOCKING