Arkavello - Songs from the Future

Arkavello

Songs from the Future
self-released; 2015

3.4 out of 5

By Ted Rogen
​

Arkavello is a three-piece band consisting of Alex Webster (bass/vocals), John Hutchinson (guitar/vocals) and Riley Frank (drums) from Alberta, Canada. They recently released a three-song EP entitled Songs from the Future, which ironically sounds more like alternative songs from the ‘90s. 

The band's bio claims they combine rock, pop, folk and jazz. Out of those four genres the two the band can legitimately be filed under are pop/rock. You can make a very thin argument for folk but I didn’t hear any traces of jazz. The ‘90s alternative vibe is real and the most apparent on the first track “Caught in a Fantasy” which has traces of bands like Alice In Chains and Silverchair.

​The song is well written and well delivered. Musically, the song is straightforward relying on basic chord progression and a steady, tight rhythm section. I was most impressed by the vocal performances. The lead vocal was catchy and I thought the ghostly vocal harmonies were the most vital part of the song.

“Here We Are” sheds the distorted guitars and replaces them with an acoustic. As with the first song it’s carried by an exceptional lead vocal. The vocals are aesthetically appealing and are heartfelt, warm and easy on the ears. My favorite line was “Do you feel the doubt drip down from space/ there's no way out of this charade.”

They close with “Vanilla” which was a personal highlight out of the three. I thought the music was especially strong on this track. The song starts with an inventive guitar riff with the bass and drums feeling juxtaposed yet connected. There were a couple of times I was reminded of Band of Horses. On top of that even though the vocal delivery is competitive with the other songs I thought the melody itself was more memorable.

Songs from the Future is a solid EP but it goes by quickly. All three of the songs work together but it’s a little bit hard to imagine what an album would sound like. Songs from the Future build a good foundation but I hope to hear them expand their palette of sounds with a full length.

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