Jersey Rock Band of the Week: Arckist
Debut EP “Don’t Push Me Around” Coming August 18!
Arckist is a young band with a classic style. The members range in age from 17 to 20 and their musical tastes are well beyond that.
Ask them about their influences and their bound to name the Led Zeppelin member who occupies their spot in the band amongst other legendary talent. However, there is more to this group than just good taste in music. They are a talented collective with some serious performance experience. It all adds up to a great rock sound!
Lead vocalist, Lily Slix is a Jersey Rock veteran, who began her musical career as a solo artist. Since the age of 12, she’s written, recorded, and released original music on a yearly basis and performed all over. She’s rocked legendary venues like the Stone Pony as well as large-scale events like the Ladybug Festival in Milford, Delaware.
While she achieved much as a solo artist, she also desired something more; to play harder, heavier music and to become a member of a band. She took a step towards realizing that goal when she met the Bell brothers (Darrin and Tommy) and their childhood friend, Matt McArdle.
The older brother, Darrin Bell (guitar), and younger brother, Tommy Bell (drums), have played individually and together virtually from birth. At ages 4 and 2 respectively, they were initially taught by their father, but soon outpaced him. Their childhood friend, Matt McArdle (Bass), has been with them for several years. Darrin actually gifted Matt his first guitar and that formed a trio that has toiled away for years honing their talents and songs while searching for a singer.
Lily was introduced to the boys in 2022 and the chemistry was immediate. In only a few months, they put a tight set of originals and favorite covers together that mirror their influences (Led Zeppelin, Sabbath, GNR, Van Halen). Since then they have played every venue available and have built a loyal fan base that grows by the day.
On August 18 Arckist will release their Debut EP on all digital platforms. “Don’t Push Me Around” features five hard-hitting tracks aimed at reviving the hard rock of the past with the energy and perspective of today’s modern youth.
It’s brimming with 1970s sensibilities and a dash of the ’90s. Expect heavy guitars, thunderous rhythm sections, and roaring vocals. August 18th all five songs will be available on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, and all digital platforms.
Speaking of the upcoming EP Lily Slix said:
“These songs capture the raw, youthful energy that ARCKIST possess on stage and reflect our hard rock roots.”
She continued:
“we exist to rock your f%#kin’ heads off. We hope you love the new music. Let’s bring Hard Rock back!”
More music will be available before the end of the year. Ahead of that, Arckist will rock Debonair Music Hall in Teaneck on September 21. Keep an eye on all upcoming shows and releases at arckist.com.
Tune to Jersey Rock on 95.9 The RAT Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 11:30 pm to hear cuts from Arckist’s debut EP “Don’t Push Me Around.” We’ll chat with members of the band all week!
Everyone in Arckist is a huge fan of Led Zeppelin. Check out their Cover of “Since I’ve Been Loving You”!
