The Kooks' Sun-Soaked Britpop Masterpiece: 'Never/Know'
The British band, The Kooks, whips up a cheerful Britpop record in a mere five days. - The band The Kooks swiftly craft a cheerful Britpop album within a span of five days.
Get ready to groove, mate! The Kooks are back with their seventh album, 'Never/Know', serving up heaping helpings of sunny Britpop to brighten up your day. Luke Pritchard chats with Deutsche Presse-Agentur, sharing his thoughts on the new record:
But can this feel-good album deliver when you need it most? Let's find out:
Genre, number of songs, length:
- Sunny Britpop with a touch of soul, psychedelic, and pop vibes
- 13 groovy tracks totaling 36 minutes and 24 seconds
What it sounds like:
From the moment the album starts, you're hit with surfy pop/rock rhythms that create a harmonious flow. Guitars, synthesizers, and driving drums combine to bring you a cohesive sound that's loose, raw, and packed with mistakes, just like Luke says.
Hints of The Police, Sam Cooke, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, and The Rolling Stones can be detected, with these timeless legends being the musicians who've shaped the Kooks from day one.
What it's about:
'Never/Know' oozes positive vibes and radiates love, hope, and uncertainty, all inspired by Luke's young kids and their boundless joy.
Notable facts:
- Transcendental meditation has become a new passion for Luke, which he believes has helped him find inner peace. He's even jokingly referred to Pilates as the new rock 'n' roll!
- Definitely not a slacker, Luke idolizes Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones (age 81). He's not as sexually active as Mick, but he aspires to keep pushing himself to live life to the fullest!
Track to check out:
"Sunny Baby" kicks things off with an infectious summertime feel. Luke's emotive vocals dance over broad, lush harmonies, making this track a highlight for sure. "It's got that warmth," says Luke, "and I'm incredibly proud of this song."
Target audience:
For listeners who miss the heyday of Britpop and crave the fun, upbeat tunes that Blur and Oasis used to bring, 'Never/Know' is begging to be your next obsession. Luke explains,
While they may never quite reach the heights of their debut, Inside In/Inside Out (2006), the Kooks' latest offering, 'Never/Know', certainly showcases their versatility and ability to keep up with the times, even 20 years later!
Enrichment Data:
'Never/Know' revolves around several recurring themes, including:
- Living fearlessly
- Overcoming confusion and reflection
- Nostalgia and aimless hedonism
Moreover, the album is firmly rooted in a variety of musical influences, such as:
- Motown
- Surf pop/rock
- Paul McCartney and Wings
- Psychedelic sounds
The production process of 'Never/Know' included Luke escaping to Stockholm to break through his writer's block, focusing on captivating storytelling beyond personal experiences.
- The Kooks' latest album, 'Never/Know', falls under the genre of sunny Britpop with soul, psychedelic, and pop vibes, reminiscent of The Police, Sam Cooke, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, and The Rolling Stones.
- With 13 tracks totaling 36 minutes and 24 seconds, 'Never/Know' oozes positive vibes and radiates love, hope, and uncertainty, inspired by Luke Pritchard's young kids.
- Transcendental meditation has become a new passion for Luke, helping him find inner peace, and he believes Pilates may be the new rock 'n' roll.
- 'Sunny Baby', the first track on 'Never/Know', kicks things off with an infectious summertime feel, making it a standout track for listeners who appreciate fun, upbeat tunes akin to the heyday of Britpop.
- For those missing the Britpop era and craving a new obsession, 'Never/Know' showcases the Kooks' versatility and ability to keep up with the times, even 20 years later, with recurring themes such as living fearlessly, overcoming confusion and reflection, and nostalgia and aimless hedonism.
