The Kooks – Konk

Astralwerks 2008

Rating: 6/10

The Kooks follow in a long line of recent British bands that have defined themselves not only with irrepressibly catchy pop songs and lovelorn lyrics but also a well-developed ego to match. Singer Luke Pritchard had this to say about the band’s latest album: “I want our singles to come on the radio and for people to literally have their heads blown off by them.”

Their arrogance shows right off the bat on Konk’s first single “Always Where I Need To Be,” announcing itself with a bombastic riff and Pritchard’s oft-annoying cockney accent. The Kooks have perfected the formula for the perfect pop song: doo-doo-doos in the chorus, Pritchard’s amusing but contrived Jagger-esque howls, and a stuck-in-your-head beat.

“Mr. Maker” is recycled Britpop, “Shine On” is dripping with the corniest sentiments this side of the Goo Goo Dolls, and Pritchard’s lyrics generally could use more than a little work. But it is guitarist Hugh Harris that saves the album. From the multi-tracked wizardry of “Do You Wanna” to the tasteful strumming on “Sway” to the ridiculously bouncy riffs and solos on virtually any song, Harris’ work makes the album a relatively pleasing memory of Britpop’s heyday.

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