The Kooks, fronted by Luke Pritchard, are back with their seventh studio album, Never/Know, a record showcasing a return to their signature indie-rock sound. The album’s lead single, "Never Know," precedes the May 9th release and hints at the diverse sonic landscape explored throughout the eleven tracks. From the poetic romanticism of "Sunny Babe" to the harder-edged influences found in "Compass Will Fracture" (reminiscent of The White Stripes) and the Police-inspired "Tough At The Top," Never/Know promises a dynamic listening experience. Pritchard himself proclaims it their best work in years, highlighting the intentional channeling of various musical inspirations, including a later-era Sting vibe in the track "Chinatown." A cover of Wings’ "Arrow Through Me" further demonstrates the band’s range and reinterpretative skills.
Pritchard discusses the cyclical nature of musical trends, drawing parallels between The Kooks’ current resurgence and Rihanna’s Anti album, which revived a "cheesy" Santana sample and made it cool again. He feels The Kooks are experiencing a similar phenomenon, with their once-perceived cheesiness now coming back into vogue. This renewed appreciation is reflected in their recent success, including a sold-out US tour despite a four-year absence from the American stage. The band’s global reach has been significantly amplified by streaming platforms, with "Naive" achieving remarkable play counts on Spotify. The upcoming UK and US tours promise even larger venues, a testament to their enduring popularity.
The album’s exploration of heartbreak and emotional vulnerability, particularly evident in tracks like "Echo Chamber" and "Let You Go," resonates with the generation coming of age now. Pritchard acknowledges the emotional depth that has always distinguished The Kooks from their contemporaries, including bands like Kasabian and Arctic Monkeys, who emerged alongside them in the 2000s. This emotional honesty, coupled with their catchy melodies, positions these new tracks as potential anthems for Gen Z experiencing their own relationship trials.
Beyond the music, Pritchard’s personal life has found a happy equilibrium with his wife, Ellie, and their two sons, Julian and Wesley. His Instagram portrays a joyful family life filled with dancing and shared musical moments. Pritchard reveals his sons’ eclectic musical tastes, ranging from Kim Petras to Bhangra, and the joy he finds in sharing his music with them, particularly "Sunny Babe," which has become a family favorite. This newfound domestic bliss provides a stark contrast to the rock and roll lifestyle of previous tours.
Pritchard’s experiences touring with legendary acts like The Rolling Stones and Liam Gallagher offer a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of rock royalty. He recounts an anecdote relayed by the late Charlie Watts about a near-altercation involving girlfriends, highlighting the humor and unexpected moments of tour life. Another story involves Mick Jagger barging into The Kooks’ dressing room while they were undressed. Pritchard also praises Liam Gallagher’s rock star swagger and the electrifying performances he witnessed during their Australian tour.
Finally, the looming question of a Glastonbury appearance hangs in the air. While Pritchard remains coy, his response suggests that a performance at the iconic festival is a definite possibility. The enigmatic nature of Glastonbury announcements adds to the anticipation, leaving fans hopeful for a Kooks set that would undoubtedly be a highlight of the summer festival season. With a new album showcasing their evolving sound and a renewed energy, The Kooks are poised to reclaim their position as indie-rock stalwarts and continue captivating audiences worldwide.
