Life on the road with these boys can at times be trying; yet amongst all the hurly burly of perpetual touring, endless gigging, battling with "inner" demons; lies the beating heart of a genteel, well-to-do, honest, clean-living bunch of lads. Hailing from Brighton this set of whipper-snappers have created a young, fresh, lively sound. The band have set sail on a journey, through plotting and scheming, a lot of drinking and screaming, they have created a debut album which can take it's place along side the best of today's musical monsters. Add to the equation, the band have had a top twenty hit with You Don't Love Me and a appearance on Top of The Pops and things look rosy indeed.
One of the first things that lead-singer Luke Pritchard will boast/fully admit to is that current sales figures for their debut album are outselling Arctic Monkeys album in their home town. A fact which can only be pleasing to the eye, and to the wallet! Though beneath all this merriment and joyous, wondrous frivolities lurks black clouds which cast a shadow over the proceedings. Bassi-guitarist Max Rafferty was the first to succumb to "celebrity exhaustion" and was on the verge of quitting the band. A rift which stopped the band in it's tracks and tried to resolve. Thankfully Rafferty simply required a bit of R 'n' R and soon rejoined the band after a short break. During that time whilst Rafferty was away, the band brought in Pete Houghton who would simply fill in for Max until he returned!
The band moved forward and released Inside In, Inside Out, releasing Eddie's Gun, Sofa Song and You Don't Love Me as singles. All have a degree of success, most noticeable the latter entering the charts in the top 20! With sell out gigs and tours coming and going the popularity of the band has grown, and with that the aforementioned pressure. But the band like so many before are coping and coping well. As a unit there are strong and focused, seemingly heading in the right direction and looking forward to the future, what ever it may bring.
The album itself contains a delicate wind-swept element, which together with a smooth calming edge allows The Kooks to deliver such subtle easy-going numbers such as She Moves In Her Own Way, Seaside, Ooh La & Jackie Big Tits. A collection of very catchy melodies which you can't help but either find yourself humming along to, or singing the chorus whilst nodding your head.
Time Awaits is A track which stands out on the album, primarily distinctive as there is an American deep south blues feel to it. Strumming the guitar to acquire the relevantly easy, and slow going demeanor. If this song was a drink it would be a find American bourbon whiskey (which I would presume would slip down a treat!).
A collective and evocative tale of four lads from Brighton who in every way have attained many strings to their creative bow which can only be of great value for a bright future. Tales such as Eddie's Gun, You Don't Love Me and Sofa Song give The Kooks sufficient amount to fire a warning shot across the bow of the good ship NME (so these guys can get maximum coverage)! This is one band whom I HAVE to see live this year! The Kooks are ready to give us some wholly Brighton (rock) stick, proper fish 'n' chip style!