Arsenal Mills fight the good fight with their hard-hitting new single Give It Up — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The Canadian pop-rockers highlight their no-nonsense approach to good vibes and great times with the supercharged single, whic stands as an electrifying anthem about letting go of toxic relationships and embracing optimism. “I wanted people to know that it’s OK to find the lighter side of these situations and take a humorous angle,” says the band’s singer Brad Milligan. Lead guitarist Griffen Arsenault adds, “this is the type of song that really gets your blood pumping and your feet grooving!”
The P.E.I. foursome are no strangers to the power of rock ’n’ roll. Their award-winning debut EP Lovesick & Broke introduced their melodic chemistry, which continues to shine on their latest musical effort. After the success of the EP, Milligan began to imagine the next evolution of Arsenal Mills, who have recently teamed up with award-winning producer Gavin Brown (Billy Talent, Three Days Grace, Barenaked Ladies). “I thought this could be a great opportunity to really hit our stride,” he says.
As songwriting and recording were underway on Give It Up, it was clear that the band was charting new territory. “Working with Gavin Brown gave us the opportunity to try new recording techniques, especially with the drums, as Gavin is a very accomplished drummer in his own right,” drummer Josh MacNeil says. “It helped make them sound fuller and more explosive.”
With the intention of reimagining rock as we know it, Arsenal Mills — which also features bassist and keyboard player André U — came together in Charlottetown during the early stages of the pandemic in 2020. Their common influences of new wave, blues and R&B would inform the direction of Arsenal Mills’ sound; their fresh yet familiar sound is inspired by legends such as Paul McCartney & Wings, Aerosmith and Def Leppard.
With the band unified around a fun retro vibe — and with opening spots for Kim Mitchell and Glorious Sons and Our Lady Peace in their hip pockets — it’s clear Arsenal Mills are in a lane all their own, and recent nominations for both New Artist Of The Year and Rock Recording Of The Year by Music PEI solidify the band as a rhythmic force of nature destined for greatness.
Check out Give It Up above, sample more from Arsenal Mills below, and give it up for them on Facebook and Instagram.
