By Emma Lautanen
Staff Writer
“Listen”ing to The Kooks’ new album shows that a band can successfully evolve with the times yet stay true to a nostalgic style.
After meeting at the Brighton Institute of Modern Music three years earlier, the young Brits produced their debut album, “Inside In/Inside Out,” in 2005. Ever since, lead singer Luke Pritchard, along with guitarist Hugh Harris, bassist Peter Denton and drummer Alex Nunez, have created three more albums, the latest “Listen,” which debuted Sept. 2.
Although their tone leans more toward a Fratellis/Artic Monkeys feel, the band is commonly known for its British indie-pop sound, claiming to be influenced by The Rolling Stones, The Beatles and Bob Dylan. The Kooks have polished their personal style throughout the years but remain a go-to for anybody needing an up-beat mood-booster.
One component that makes “Listen” different is its wide use of percussion and cross rhythms, which The Kooks’ previous albums never fully utilized. It demonstrates the band’s desire to adapt to modern music and implement the new layering that many artists today are incorporating into their style.
One song that especially displays the band’s use of layering and electric sounds is rightfully named “Are We Electric.” However, the techno sounds are overwhelming in some parts, making the song one of the worst tracks on the album.
Another characteristic that is surprising and fairly displeasing is Pritchard straining his voice over the instrumentals. Although Pritchard embraced his unique vocals in previous albums, he takes them too far in some of the album’s diluted tracks, like “Down” and “Murderer.”
However, The Kooks do show improvement through their musical maturity. The album explores numerous tastes instead of sticking to the same jingly guitar riffs The Kooks previously included in their music.
“Listen” weaves in British rock punk in the song “Around Town,” and a bit of R&B within “Down.” The piano ballad, “See Me Now,” addressed to Pritchard’s late father, explores a sentimental side of the singer that was not seen in previous work. This is just one way The Kooks manage to preserve their old style while adapting to modern tastes.
Overall, “Listen” is a perfect demonstration of how a group can develop and grow without losing its fanbase. Although the album includes some technical errors and crowded tracks, The Kooks are able to exhibit a whole new side of their band: a blend of modern sound while still sticking to what made them famous years ago. This risk paid off, a very rare sight in artists nowadays.
“Listen” was released Sept. 2 and is available for $11.99 digitally and in retail.
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