NEW EP '' ‘DON’T LOOK FOR ANSWERS’' OUT NOW
Since their whirlwind debut in 2023, Arkayla has become one of Manchester's most talked-about bands. Known for their electrifying live shows and sharp, insightful lyrical instincts, the four-piece has quickly garnered key support across radio and press
Having already earned their stripes on stage, supporting acts like The Lathums and Seb Lowe, and are now gearing up to join The Royston Club later this year. They've cultivated a fiercely loyal, ever-expanding fanbase through word-of-mouth and magnetic performances. This winter, the band hits a milestone few DIY acts achieve so early: headlining the 900-capacity Manchester Academy 2—a huge moment in a city synonymous with guitar music.
While Manchester’s musical history looms large, Arkayla is determined to leave their own mark. Blending era-spanning guitar influences with emotional songwriting and an unrivalled live presence, the band has committed to the traditional path: putting in the miles on stage and building a grassroots following that now spans far beyond their hometown.
Formed through a string of serendipitous connections—some made in school corridors, others in college rehearsal rooms, and later down the line—Arkayla is a collision of different worlds and personalities, all united by a shared, unwavering love for guitar music. Now, they gift fans with the new ‘DON’T LOOK FOR ANSWERS’ EP, a body of work marking a significant point in their burgeoning career.
The ‘DON’T LOOK FOR ANSWERS’ EP solidifies Arkayla’s reputation as a powerhouse live band, delivering four tracks built on high energy, classic indie rock foundations, and strong melodic instincts. The EP successfully blends the punchiness of modern rock with nods to '60s harmonies and '90s swagger, all held together by exceptional vocal performances and dynamic instrumentation that leaves listeners eager to see them headline venues like the Manchester Academy.
1. 'Long Way Back'
This track is positioned as an energetic opener, often described as having Circa Waves-meets-Stereophonics energy, making it immediately built for a live setting. It kicks off with an upbeat, attention-grabbing guitar riff, with the drums, bass, and backing vocals quickly piling in to establish a thrilling, energetic indie tone. Critics note that Arkayla masters the balance between this high energy and moments where the instrumentation pulls back, allowing focus on the "extraordinary vocals" of frontman Cal. The track is praised for its repetitive, exciting lyrics and unpredictable guitar patterns, making it "overwhelmingly exciting.
2. 'Fortune Teller'
Following the high-octane opener, 'Fortune Teller' demonstrates the band's versatility, leaning into a more soulful, acoustic-tinged sound. The key highlight here is the band’s signature "gorgeous harmonies," both vocal and instrumental, which one reviewer suggests defines their sound. It features layered harmonies and a powerful build-up, leading to a dynamic climax. It’s painted as a track that feels suited for a coming-of-age movie soundtrack, blending emotional depth with pleasing instrumentals. The track also has a country-glazed harmony influence, giving it a '90s afterglow feel alongside its Britpop swagger.
3.'Doctor'
Doctor' is often noted for its high-octane, fun, and restless energy, feeling like it was "built for the stage." The song is characterized by its gripping guitar patterns, "juicy bassline," and echoing vocals that manage to maintain depth while remaining light. Frontman Cal’s vocal performance is singled out for its "addictive rasp, and a demanding presence." The track structure is dynamic, featuring a powerful drum beat in the pre-chorus that builds to a thundering chorus, marking it as a potential crowd favourite. The song reportedly features a grand finale with instruments joining back in to increase the volume before a final stripped-back moment.
4.'Waste Of Time'
This final track is my personal favourite on the EP, capturing immediate tension with a lack of a formal introduction, sounding "desperate and frustrated" from the start. It showcases Arkayla’s skilful layering early on, teasing intense instrumental moments before pulling back for the chorus. It features a "beautiful guitar riff" from lead guitarist Finley. The song reportedly shifts tone dramatically in the second chorus to an energetic, angry track with loud, staccato rhythms. It closes the EP with a powerful finish, using echoing vocals to leave a lasting impression. It was also noted as the first song written with the current line-up, adding sentimental value.
We caught up with the lads to talk songwriting, influences, and navigating a tricky industry.
How would you describe your sound? "Punchy and energetic classic indie rock with as many minor and major 7 chords that we can fit in. We infuse the harmonies of the '60s with a Johnny Marr-esque guitar tone and the punchiness of a Strokes tune."
What sparked your initial passion for songwriting? "We just love creating music. Listening to The La’s and early The Beatles at a young age made us realise that songwriting could be so simple but so effective. Once you write your first decent song and feel that rush, there’s no way you can ever look back."
What’s your pre-show ritual? "We try and chill out as much as possible. We’ll have a couple of beers and maybe a tequila, stick on a bit of reggae, and we’re sweet. We always do a quick acoustic version of 'Fortune Teller' right before we go on, where all of us are harmonising. It’s a bit of a vocal warm-up, but also just a ritual at this point."
Beyond indie, what other music do you all love? "We all love classic indie, soul, funk, reggae, a bit of jazz—a lot of music from the '60s like The Beatles, Mamas and the Papas, The Ronettes, etc. As a band, there aren’t many genres we’d all agree we dislike, but to be fair, I’ve not heard any of the lads listening to death metal!"
Where did the name Arkayla come from? "It’s just the name of an old, obscure Oasis demo. The song’s terrible, but we’ve always liked the word. Some people think it’s something to do with The Jungle Book or the scouts or whatever, but we can assure you it’s not."
Greatest strength and weakness as a band? "Greatest strength is Joey’s saucy basslines. Greatest weakness is that he’s not on time to play them."
Top three bands all four of you agree on? "Definitely The Beatles, The La’s, and The Smiths. Also Oasis, Vampire Weekend, and The Strokes. Those are the bands all of us can agree on."
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be? "I’d love to do something with Sam Fender. He’s one of the best songwriters of his generation, and I think our voices would sound pretty cool together."
Is there a song that always hits you emotionally? "'Cariad' by The Royston Club. We had the pleasure of touring with them for a few nights recently, and that song never failed to tear me up each time I heard it live. Such a beautiful song."
What’s the hardest thing about being an aspiring artist right now, and what’s your best advice? "The industry’s not in a great spot right now, to put it mildly. Artists are getting ripped off everywhere you look, and it’s not sustainable, so having to navigate that is the hardest thing. My best advice would just be to not lose sight of why you make music in the first place, keep writing, and f***ing enjoy it."
What’s your creative process like? "It’s changed a lot over the years, and we don’t really have one set creative process we always follow. Usually, I’ll come in with an idea, and we’ll all expand on it together, especially with our new EP, but that’s not always the case. Some tunes are born out of a riff or a bassline. It honestly depends."
What's next for Arkayla? "We’re back in the studio very soon, so more music.