Written by Fantasma el Rey
The Kooks are back with their sophomore release Konk, delivering more of the same rocking brit-pop that helped them sell millions of copies of their debut album throughout the world. The lads deliver twelve new tracks that swing and sway from the opening vocals to the closing guitar strum. The Kooks (Luke Pritchard vocals, Hugh Harris guitar, Max Rafferty bass, Paul Garred drums) continue to write their own songs and perform them with a flair all their own.
Fueled by catchy guitars hooks, a solid, funky rhythm section and Pritchard’s unique vocals, The Kooks never stop driving the pace of their songs straight to your memory. Their songs are short and to the pop point, making them easy to store, even though some of the new tunes tap the four-minute mark! The music gets you moving and the simple lyrics force you to sing while the vocals make you feel the tune as you take it all in. The songcraft skills of these young men are awesome. As I’ve said before, these kats at masters of the pop song while remaining true to their rock roots.
The sound of Konk, recorded at Ray Davies’ Konk studios, keeps to the path taken on The Kooks debut album Inside In / Inside Out. Blending perfectly the Beatles/ Kinks 60’s vibe with the Smiths/ Morrissey 80’s dance-floor feel. “Always Where I Need To Be” hints at Moz’s “First Of the Gang To Die” in its guitar runs while “Gap” and “Love It All” bring images of Smith’s guitar-slinger Johnny Marr to mind. Keeping the groove alive are “Do You Wanna” and “Stormy Weather,” both are drum filled and bass thick, begging you to hit the local dance hall, especially the mean bass intro on “Stormy Weather,” which has nothing to do with the street-corner, vocal group staple song.
Article comments
1 - Kitty
These boys are geniuses of the highest rank. Clearly.
2 - Lucy
Brilliant album. All a good indie-pop album calls for are great guitar as always when Mr Harris is in place and just simple yet meaningfull and emotional lyrics as ALWAYS with mr pritchard a unique poetic and incredibly talented songwriter. The kooks refuse to fit into any genre but they know exactly what their unique sound is. How can a band with so much flexibility be put into a category, most indie fans out there dont seem to stick to them simply because they bend the rules abit and its so refreshing that a band especially in these days can just walk on stage in there day to day clothes and not be drawn in to any bullshit about what they should wear or look like like so many other bands out there because all they want to do is make good music influenced by ledgends and past experiences and to me they have hit the mark. I can honestly say in my opinion the kooks have brought something truely great back to british music and for that i will be forever greatful. Amazing album i cant wait to see what they give us next.