The Kooks' New Britpop Album: A Sunny, Psychedelic Journey
The British band The Kooks hurriedly completed a cheerful, Britpop-style record within a five-day timeframe. - The 5-day creation of a cheerful Britpop album by The Kooks.
Crafted in just five days, Britpop powerhouses The Kooks are back with their latest album "Never/Know", a beacon of hope in today's gloomy world. Frontman Luke Pritchard talks to Deutsche Presse-Agentur about the creation of this positive, funky, and slightly trippy album.
"Never/Know" is an escape, a 36-minute respite from the chaos. But can it deliver on its promise? Let's dive in:
On the music front:
The album is a remarkable fusion of British indie-rock, pop, funk, and soul, featuring a total of 13 songs. The blend is cohesive, with guitars, synthesizers, and driving drums forming the backbone, complemented by thought-provoking lyrics. Pritchard penned and produced most of the tracks, showcasing a unified sound echoing through each tune. The result is raw, loose, and imperfect - just as Pritchard intended.
Classic icons like The Police, Sam Cooke, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, and the Rolling Stones can be heard in the band's inspirations. These legends have influenced them since the start.
The lyrics:
The essence of the album is positivity. Pritchard's little ones are the driving force behind the joyful vibe. "They've brought so much joy into my life, and that's reflected on the album," says Pritchard. The themes revolve around love, hope, and a touch of uncertainty. Overall, the message is to cherish each day as if it's your last - a sentiment that resonates deeply in today's world.
A few interesting trivia:
Pritchard is a firm believer in transcendental meditation, which he credits for finding inner peace. His workout routine includes Pilates - a fascinating twist on the typical star's workout regimen.
Mick Jagger, the Rolling Stones legend, is Pritchard's idol. "He was always a runner and kept himself fit...I don't think I have as much sex as Mick Jagger, but I don't think anyone does," says Pritchard, with a laugh.
Track recommendations:
"Sunny Baby" stands out, with Pritchard's emotive vocals backed by rich harmonies. The track captures the essence of summer and has been a long-time passion project for Pritchard. "It just has this warmth in it. That's why I'm really proud of this song," he says.
Who this album is for:
If you're reminiscing about the golden days of Britpop when Blur and Oasis were the giants of the radio, you'll love "Never/Know". It's a journey back to the essence of The Kooks. "I tried to rediscover the humor I had on the first album. I brought it back to life," says Pritchard.
But it's also true that no album will ever reach the heights of their debut, "Inside In/Inside Out" (2006). Yet, "Never/Know" still holds its ground, offering a sense of nostalgia even 20 years later.
- Britpop
- The Kooks
- Music
- Kids
- Berlin
- News
- Deutsche Presse-Agentur
- Meditations
- Pilates
- Mick Jagger
[1] Pritchard's personal experiences, particularly fatherhood and loss, played a significant role in shaping the album's themes and sound.[2] The album embraces a warm, analog, unpolished sound, marking a shift away from synth-driven production towards a classic rock and soul inspired palette.[4] The writing process was intensive and spontaneous, with Pritchard secreting away demos before inviting the band to contribute later in a relaxed, organic setting. This approach helped preserve the fresh, energetic dynamism of the recording sessions.
- The Kooks' latest album, "Never/Know", is a product of frontman Luke Pritchard's personal experiences, including fatherhood and loss.
- The album, created in a span of five days, offers a warm, analog sound inspired by classic rock and soul, marking a shift away from heavy synth production.
- During the writing process, Pritchard kept his bandmates in the dark, secreting away demos before inviting them to contribute later in a relaxed, organic setting.
- In Berlin, Pritchard spoke to Deutsche Presse-Agentur about the creation of this Britpop album, discussing its themes, influences, and production process.
- Fans of Britpop nostalgia may find solace in "Never/Know", as The Kooks revisit the humor from their earlier work, bridging the gap between their past and present.
