Arkayla

Kicking off the year with a headline gig in their hometown at the Deaf Institute, Manchester lads Cal Blakebrough (vocals/guitar), Finley Rubens (guitar), Theo Savage (bass) and Patrick Hanbury (drums) emerged out of lockdown with a band that’s taking the indie scene by storm. 

Guitar-heavy with all the visceral energy of The La’s and the Reytons, Arkayla have attracted attention and radio play with their debut single Calling Time from everyone including Radio X to Guy Garvey on BBC 6Music. 

Mixing angular and snarly vocal power with irresistible humour and the occasional dirty Brazilian rhythm, their set is guaranteed to get you dancing. (Kate Relton)