THE ARKELLS CURB THE WINTER BLUES WITH A SUMMER ANTHEM IN NEW SINGLE, ‘NEXT SUMMER’
Who screams? You scream? We all scream for summer!
Canadian rockers the Arkells released their new song “NEXT SUMMER” on Thursday. The Hamilton-based band is led by frontman Max Kerman, pianist Anthony Carone, lead guitarist Mike DeAngelis, Nick Dika on bass, and Tim Oxford helming the drums. “NEXT SUMMER” is an early pick of Song of Summer 2026 as it delves into what to look forward to in the summer and what lies ahead. Even the lyrics back up the youthful innocence of summer and fear of what’s next.
Lying down in the park
Hungover a bit
Am I lying to myself all over again?
…
If we could get back
To September
To sweater weather, a new time to begin
The song opens up with an upbeat piano riff masquerading in a contemplative yet relatable tone as summer nearly draws to a close. It captures missed connections of ‘The one that got away’ and reminisces about the good times with friends and a special someone. It also symbolizes a new season of autumn: leaves changing colour, sweater weather, and a cool breeze.
A year ago, no
We hadn't met
A year ago it was
A different life
…
Tell me, what's next summer
What's next summer
Tell me, what's next summer
What's next summer
Gonna look like?
As the song progresses with upbeat vocals, breezy guitar riffs, and rhythmic drums. The lyrics detail a romantic interaction of an individual meeting someone, as time progresses, a year later knowing last summer was different than this summer. That one year's span can change over time. It is later accompanied by a catchy chorus belting out ‘What’s next summer?’ The lyrics also ask a relevant question that is relatable to what next summer is going to be like. Will it be greater than last summer? Even thinking about the summer plans during the winter blues, as the days are shorter and the nights are longer. It’s a cure to remedy the cold, endless nights of winter.
In terms of the overall production and composition of “NEXT SUMMER,” the Arkell’s use a combination of drums, guitars, and upbeat and contemplative vocals to balance the song’s message and vibe.
Arkell’s “NEXT SUMMER” is a sing-along anthem of what summer has in store for us and going with the flow rather than planning what the next two months will be. As listeners in their late 20s and 30s can attest to fear of missing out, work/life priorities, and other life changing moments. What matters the most is to spend time with your friends and make the most out of it.
“NEXT SUMMER” is part of the Arkells’ new record, Between Us, which will be released on Apr. 17. They will be performing in Hamilton, ON, at the 2026 Juno Awards in TD Coliseum on Mar. 26.