The Kooks' Summertime Comeback: A Mellow Britpop Revival with "Never/Know"
Rapidly producing a cheerful pop album within five days, accomplished by the band The Kooks. - The Britpop band, The Kooks, craft a sunny album in merely five days.
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The Britpop legends, The Kooks, are back in full swing with their seventh album, "Never/Know," a breezy, sunny record that's the perfect antidote to our currently chaotic world. In an interview with Deutsche Presse-Agentur, frontman Luke Pritchard explains, "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."
Let's dive into this vibrant album:
Genre & Track List:
The Kooks masterfully blend British indie-rock with pop, funk, and soul elements. This 13-track journey, lasting approximately 36 minutes, is an enchanting mix of instruments, ranging from guitars, synths, and driving drums, topped with thought-provoking lyrics. Pritchard not only took the reins as the main songwriter but also produced all but one song, showcasing a cohesive album. As he says, "It's loose, it's raw, and it's got mistakes."
However, it's not hard to notice The Kooks' distinct influences—The Police, Sam Cooke, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, and The Rolling Stones. These timeless classics have always been close to Pritchard's heart since the band's early days.
The Vibe & Themes:
"Never/Know" is brimming with upbeat energy. The central themes revolve around love, hope, and uncertainty, molded by Pritchard's experiences as a father. His young children brought joy into his life, and it's evident in the album's overall positive vibe. Pritchard wrote the album in just five days, proving that sometimes, less is more.
Fun Facts:
Pritchard has his quirks—he's into transcendental meditation and confessed that Pilates is his new passion. Speaking of idols, he appreciates Rolling Stones legend Mick Jagger's timeless charm, admitting, "I don't think I have as much sex as Mick Jagger, but I don't think anyone does."
Don't Miss This:
The track "Sunny Baby" is an ode to summer. Pritchard's stirring vocals are amplified by rich, broad harmonies, making it a song he's been yearning to create. As he says, "It is warm—so, I'm really proud of this song."
Are you ready for a trip back to the good old Britpop days? "Never/Know" can help you relive those days while also offering a fresh perspective. "I tried to rediscover the humor I had on the first album," Pritchard shares. However, it’s important to remember that "Inside In/Inside Out," their debut album, remains The Kooks' most successful album. "Never/Know" may not reach the same heights, but it certainly captures the essence of their signature sound, albeit in a more laid-back style.
- The Kooks, renowned for their Britpop style, have returned with their seventh album, "Never/Know", which features a community policy of creating positive, sunny music to uplift listeners during troubled times.
- Throughout the album, various instruments like guitars, synthesizers, and drums are prominently used, reminiscent of The Police, Sam Cooke, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, and The Rolling Stones, acts that The Kooks have long admired.
- Frontman Luke Pritchard, who wrote and produced most of the songs on "Never/Know", believes in maintaining a raw and loose approach, reflecting in the album's upbeat energy and themes about love, hope, and uncertainty.
- Beyond music, Pritchard enjoys meditation and Pilates, revealing his diverse interests, which although not directly related to the album, offer a fascinating glimpse into his life beyond entertainment.
