Arkayla, a Manchester four-piece drawing major industry attention, have put themselves in a great position since their debut. Forming in 2020, their records first emerged in 2023, their debut single setting off fireworks across their home scene. Subsequent releases have seen them expand nationally, with producer Rich Turvey on board to help bring their music to life. With playlist editorials, press acclaim and a few radio tracks of the week to boot, the future looks bright.
The band’s latest single, ‘Rita’, takes a slightly different direction from their previous singles, but maintains the charming brightness of their distinctive indie writing. Bouncy and infectious, it starts with an acoustic guitar, quickly joined by subtle overdrives and grooving bass as they blend vintage rock and Bossa Nova.
The vintage continues, with glorious harmonies backing up the performative lead vocal going into the chorus hooks. An immensely fuzzy guitar solo comes out of nowhere, screaming into the final section, as the band pulls down the energy before a final, radiant climax.
“Rita’ tells the story of someone who’s got nothing left to lose and everything to gain, even if it’s just for fame,” Cal, lead vocalist, adds. “It’s got a naughty bossa nova backbeat behind it, never fails to get a crowd moving.”
Drummer Dylan comments on its live presence,“It’s that one tune in our set which always makes people say “hold on what’s going on here?” – it’s a bit like if the Doors were egyptian.”
Listen to ‘Rita’ here…
