The Kooks Deliver <i>Konk</i>
Bubble gum pop can still be cool. We promise.
The Kooks
Konk
Released on Nov 30, -0001
The last half of this decade may be remembered in the American indie scene as a time of reinventing the wheel. An exciting concept for sure, but with the constant barrage of bands and genres being pumped at us on a monthly basis - we're actually losing the ability to properly enjoy a simple album. Our senses have become insanely dulled and jaded, and we've started to convince ourselves that what was once unlistenable is now listenable. I don't know why, but the latest album from The Kooks just got me thinking on that subject.
Whatever your feelings may be on The Kooks, the simple definition of this band is that they are nothing more than a modern day bubble gum pop sensation. They are The Bay City Rollers, Lief Garret and David Cassidy's British love child. Simple chords, catchy as hell melodies and mindless lyrics; and what's wrong with that?
Inspired by the grass roots success of The Libertines, The Kooks formed in 2004 and quickly garnered mass fan appeal, which lead to a deal with Virgin. Their debut Inside In/Inside Out went on to sell two million albums in the UK. This quick success gained them some naysayers who dubbed them the "corporate Libertines."
Recorded in Ray Davies' Konk Studios, Konk is the latest album from The Kooks, and Luke Prichard and company prove that deviating from a successful plan of attack is usually never the best idea. If anything, Konk is a more laid back confident version of their debut. Tracks like "Always Where I Need To Be" (the first single) and "Down To The Market" are signature Kooks stompers, whereas "Mr. Maker" and "Shine On" will make you unknowingly swing your hips and tap your toes.
Though not as immediate and as much fist-pumping fun as their debut, Konk is a sold follow-up brimming with naive confidence, puppy love lyrics and sing-along singles fit for Summer.
The High Point: "Down To The Market" is pure Kooks put on your dancing shoes good times.
The Low Point: "Do You Wanna" has a skippable selection of lyrics.
The Quick Point: Proof that bubble gum pop is seeing a resurgence.
High Point
Low Point
Posted by Joe Roth on Apr 29, 2008 @ 12:00 am