Exclusive Premiere: Arkells, Live With the National Academy Orchestra of Canada

Nearly two years ago, Canadian rockers Arkells set up shop on the second floor of a vacant nightclub in Hamilton, Ontario and began work on their latest album, High Noon. Produced by Tony Hoffer -- who has worked with the likes of Beck, the Kooks and M83 -- High Noon is, as frontman Max Kerman puts it, nothing like the band's previous efforts, Michigan Left and Jackson Square.

The new LP hit the streets in August last year, and we're excited to keep the celebration of the music going with a brand-new -- and very, very exciting -- video, highlighting the upbeat energy of Arkells alongside the 30-piece National Academy Orchestra of Canada. With Act 1 already out, Diffuser is thrilled to unveil Act 2 of the video; check it out above.

Directed by Joe DiBenedetto and Mike Veerman, the video gives fans an intimate peek behind-the-scenes with the band, as well as beautiful footage of Arkells' gig with the powerful orchestra.

"We didn't make it easy on ourselves with this show," said Kerman. "It was kind of a feat (and a headache) to pull it off, but it's a collection of little details of any production that ultimately create the impression. We went for a big sound on High Noon, but never wanted to lose the little eccentricities. That's why when we debuted new material for the first time we wanted folks to see with their own eyes all of the TLC that went into creating these tunes. I love the contrast of a band with 45 musicians in a small, cramped room. I loved seeing the orchestra get to play in a punk rock kind of venue."

Arkells are gearing up for a run of spring gigs, set to kick off tomorrow (April 24) in Rochester. You can find their full itinerary below, and make sure to check out everything happening in their world at their official website. You can pick up a copy of High Noon at this location.

Arkells Spring 2015 Tour
April 24 -- Rochester, N.Y. -- Montage Music Hall
April 25 -- Northampton, Mass. -- Iron Horse Music Hall
April 29 -- Cincinnati, Ohio -- Madison Live
April 30 -- Cleveland, Ohio -- The Cambridge Room -- HOB
May 1 -- Chicago, Ill. -- Beat Kitchen
May 5 -- New York, N.Y. -- Rockwood Music Hall
May 6 -- Philadelphia, Pa. -- Milkboy
May 7 -- Asbury Park, N.J. -- The Saint
May 9 -- Boston, Mass. -- The Great Scott

Filed Under: Arkells
Categories: Exclusive, Music, News, Videos

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