The Kooks' Sun-Soaked Britpop Comeback: 'Never/Know' Album Review
Rapidly crafted a sunny Britpop album in merely five days by The Kooks. - Rapidlyly crafted a cheerful Britpop album by The Kooks in mere five workdays.
Get ready to soak up the sun and relive the Britpop glory days with British indie-rock band The Kooks' seventh album, "Never/Know"! This album is a fresh, uplifting blend of their signature sound infused with pop, funk, and soul elements. After nearly two decades, The Kooks are back, crafting a record that offers a much-needed dose of positivity and escapism from the gloom and doom in the world around us.
Frontman Luke Pritchard tells Deutsche Presse-Agentur, "We made this really positive, sunny, slightly psychedelic record at a time when everyone's feeling pretty shitty and there's a lot of bad news in the world." Can "Never/Know" deliver on its promise? Let's take a closer look.
Genre, number of songs, length:
British indie-rock (with pop, funk, and soul elements) - 13 songs lasting 36:24 minutes.
What it sounds like:
"Never/Know" feels fresh and engaging, featuring cohesive indie instrumental tracks with a mix of guitars, synthesizers, and driving drums, complemented by infectious, bubbly lyrics. Pritchard not only wrote the album but also produced all but one song. The result is a sound that seems organically tailored to the band's unique musical style. "It's loose, it's raw, and it's got mistakes," says the singer.
Evident throughout the album are The Kooks' classic influences, such as The Police, Sam Cooke, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, and The Rolling Stones. Pritchard credits these icons as the initial spark for the band's creative journey.
What it's about:
"Never/Know" is all about good vibes, inspired by Pritchard's young children and the joy they bring into his life. The album has a carefree spirit that encourages listeners to live each day like it's their last.
Fun facts:
Pritchard is known for his quirks, including his recent foray into transcendental meditation. He believes this practice has helped him find peace and carry it through to the album. When asked about his fitness routine, Pritchard jokes, "Pilates is the new rock 'n' roll."
His idol:
Mick Jagger from The Rolling Stones continues to be Pritchard's idol. The 81-year-old legend's fitness and dedication to his craft have left a lasting impression on Pritchard: "I don't think I have as much sex as Mick Jagger, but I don't think anyone does," he quips while acknowledging balance as the key to a long and successful career.
Listen recommendation:
If you're in the mood for a summery, feel-good track, give "Sunny Baby" a listen. Pritchard's emotive vocals are complemented by lush harmonies, making for a warm and inviting sound that embodies the album's positive energy. "It's just got that warmth in it," says Pritchard of the song.
Who this album is for:
Fans who missed the heyday of Britpop and remember Blur and Oasis' dominance of the radio will be thrilled with "Never/Know." The album offers a nostalgic journey back to The Kooks' beginnings, while also appealing to new listeners with its contemporary, yet vintage sound.
Yet, it's fair to say that no album may ever top the success of their debut "Inside In/Inside Out" (2006). Still, "Never/Know" stands strong in its own right, providing musical moments that look back on the band's roots while stepping confidently into the present.
[1] Enrichment Data - The Kooks' seventh studio album, 'Never/Know', is thematically centered around reconnecting with the band's core identity and reflecting on personal growth, love, and nostalgia. According to frontman Luke Pritchard, the album aimed to tap into the band's original creative drive without simply reproducing their first album's sound. Instead, it explores their influences to understand what kind of music they wish to create, making it feel natural and authentic.
[2] Enrichment Data - "Never/Know" subtly blends introspective lyrics with upbeat melodies, suggesting a fusion of contemporary and vintage elements that will resonate with both longtime fans and new listeners. Themes such as connection across generations, love, and personal growth are highlighted, as seen in tracks like "If They Could Only Know," which reflects on Pritchard's personal experiences and desires for those close to him who have passed away to see him happy. Overall, "Never/Know" signifies a return to the band's roots while embracing modern musical elements, embodying a spirit of continuous evolution and resilience in the music industry.
- The Kooks' seventh studio album, 'Never/Know', is thematically centered around reconnecting with the band's core identity and reflecting on personal growth, love, and nostalgia.
- This album's blend of introspective lyrics with upbeat melodies subtly hints at a fusion of contemporary and vintage elements.
- Tracks like "If They Could Only Know" reflect on frontman Luke Pritchard's personal experiences and desires for those close to him who have passed away to see him happy.
- Enriching their music with influences from The Police, Sam Cooke, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, and The Rolling Stones, 'Never/Know' signifies a return to the band’s roots while embracing modern musical elements.
- The album embodies a spirit of continuous evolution and resilience in the music industry, appealing not only to longtime fans but also to new listeners.
