Arkells & Poolside
October 24, 2024
Slush Puppie Place, Kingston, ON
Slush Puppie Place in Kingston saw a wave of musical energy as Canadian rock band Arkells took the stage, supported by the chill electronic vibes of LA’s Poolside. It was a night of contrasts in the best way possible, balancing Poolside’s breezy rhythms with Arkells’ dynamic and engaging set.
As the crowd settled in, Poolside brought their signature “daytime disco” sound to the venue, stating that they had never performed indoors before (they have performed at a number of outdoor festivals, including Coachella and Lollapalooza). Their set was mellow but infectious, creating a laid-back, beachy vibe that transformed the crisp autumn evening into a feel-good, almost dreamlike atmosphere. Winning over the crowd with originals as well as Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon” Poolside made it impossible for the crowd not to sway along.
When Arkells took the stage, the energy level at Slush Puppy Place skyrocketed. Max Kerman’s charisma was off the charts, with his infectious enthusiasm quickly spreading through the crowd. The band’s ability to keep the crowd engaged is a testament to their decade-long experience as live performers.
One of the night’s highlights was frontman Max Kerman’s repeated forays into the audience with a selection of band members in tow. Fans enjoyed an up close and personal experience, adding to the excitement of the evening.
Kerman stated throughout the evening that Thursday is the new Friday night, and nobody is going to work tomorrow! As the show reached its finale, Arkells wowed fans with a high energy performance of “Knocking at the Door,” The encore closed with the high-energy “Leather Jacket,” a perfect wrap-up that left everyone buzzing as they exited the venue.
Arkells and Poolside provided an unforgettable night at Slush Puppie Place. The two acts, though stylistically different, complemented each other perfectly, providing both soulful melodies and electrifying rock anthems that kept the crowd moving from start to finish. This was a standout show, and for fans of Canadian rock, it was the perfect reminder of Arkells’ reign as one of the country’s most compelling live acts.
