Blasting Back with a Britpop Bop: The Kooks' Latest Album Delivers an Early 2000s Vibe
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The Kooks swiftly produce a cheerful Britpop record within a five-day timeframe. - Fast-paced Britpop creation: The Kooks complete a sunny new album in a mere five days.
Prepare to time travel back to the golden days of indie music with The Kooks' new album, "Never/Know." With charismatic energy and sunny vibes, the band returns stronger than ever, almost 20 years since their first album graced our ears. Frontman Luke Pritchard dishes to Deutsche Presse-Agentur, "We fucking made this ballsy, positive, slightly psychedelic record during a time when the world is all doom and gloom. This is the album to escape to when you need a break from all the bad news."
Wondering if it can truly provide a respite? Let's take a closer look:
Genre, Number of Songs, Length:
- British indie rock (blending elements of pop, funk, and soul)
- 13 tracks lasting 36:24 minutes.
Sounding Familiar, Yet Fresh:
"Never/Know" delivers a cohesive, invigorating sound that fans of the band will surely recognize. Combining driving guitars, jazzy synths, and punchy drums, the album radiates enthusiasm, both musically and lyrically. Pritchard claimed production duties for all but one song, thereby maintaining artistic integrity throughout. As for their inspirations, well, you can thank The Police, Sam Cooke, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, and The Rolling Stones for shaping The Kooks' unique sound. As Pritchard puts it, "Those cats were my fucking idols from the start."
Themes of Love, Hope, and Uncertainty:
Despite its party-like vibe, "Never/Know" tackles weighty topics with poignant honesty. Key themes revolve around the joy and heartbreak of growing older and the importance of living in the moment. The album is a reflection of Pritchard's own transformation, inspired by his young children and the limited time he has as a parent. As he notes, "I didn't want to grow old hating the world like most people do now. I wanted to make the next twenty years the best of my life. That’s the feeling this album gives off."
Working on a Tight Schedule:
"Never/Know" was made in just five days, an impressive feat for a band with such a wide discography. As for the writing process, transcendental meditation played a crucial role, allowing Pritchard to find "peace and a sense of purpose to create some raw and emotional music." When it comes to keeping fit and maintaining a stellar touring schedule, Pritchard admires Mick Jagger as his role model. "Pilates is the new rock 'n' roll," he jokes.
A Standout Track:
To truly feel the album's charm, perform a deep dive into "Sunny Baby." The sun-soaked, emotive track showcases Pritchard's vocal prowess and summons memories of long-ago summers. He describes it as "just having that warmth in it. So, I’m really proud of this song."
The Perfect Soundtrack for You?
If you've been yearning for a taste of Britpop's glory days, "Never/Know" is the album for you. It's a love letter to the band's roots, marked by a humorous twist that recalls the essence of their first album. Even though it may not compete with their 2006 milestone, "Inside In/Inside Out," it still packs a punch almost twenty years later.
- Britpop
- The Kooks
- Music
- Children
- Psychedelic Rock
- Emotional Honesty
- Mick Jagger
- Transcendental Meditation
Critics' Review
"Never/Know" garnered mixed reactions from critics, with Fiona Shepherd deeming it a "musical reset" that "won’t win any prizes for originality but it does bowl along with a freshness and ease which belies the band’s vintage." While the album may not break new ground, it successfully captures the sunny and engaging nature of earlier works with hits like "Never Know" and "All Over the World." Atwood Magazine applauded its blending of raw analog warmth with emotional clarity and soulful immediacy, praising the album for its ability to evoke fond memories while connecting with the band's essence revisited.
Audience Reception
Fans have raved about the album's return to form, with tracks like "Compass Will Fracture" and "Sunny Baby" receiving positive responses, even earning a spot on BBC Radio 2 regular rotation. The band's signature blend of pop and rock has resonated with long-time fans, and their upcoming arena tour suggests strong anticipation for their live performances. Overall, while critics may have reservations about originality, audiences have expressed appreciation for the album's ability to offer a nostalgic yet emotional experience.
- The Kooks' latest album, "Never/Know," speeds us back to the golden era of Britpop with its infectious British indie rock sound that blends elements of pop, funk, and soul.
- The album's lead vocalist, Luke Pritchard, took on production for most of the tracks to maintain the album's artistic integrity, pulling inspiration from his musical idols such as The Police, Sam Cooke, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, and The Rolling Stones.
- Beyond its exuberant vibe, "Never/Know" addresses themes of love, hope, and questioning one's place in the world, reflecting Pritchard's own personal growth.
- Exemplifying the importance of mindfulness, transcendental meditation helped Pritchard find peace and purpose throughout the songwriting process.
- To catch The Kooks' energizing live performances and hear their latest hits, including "Sunny Baby" and "Compass Will Fracture," be sure to check out their upcoming arena tour.
