Konk - Kooks

...paved their way to success. Konk is their recently named second album that peaked at number one in the charts with its first single "always where i need to be" peaking at 3.

Band Line up:
Luke Pritchard Lead Vocalist/Guitarist
Hugh Harris Lead Guitarist/Back up vocalist
Paul Garred Drummer
Dan Logan Bassist

Ex Members:
Max Rafferty Bassist

KONK

...impressive. A gem infact.
Konk is the return of Britpop. Fuelled by catchy guitars hooks, a solid, funky rhythm section and Pritchard's unique vocals Konk is quite simply mesmerising.
Inside In/Inside Out was an iconic album although as debuts go it was played quite safe. Now flying high the kooks fail to take any caution by simply letting loose and in the process create a dynamic album in sound and lyrics that shows a wider array ... more

Background Information:
The kooks are an Indie Rock band formed in Brighton, England in 2004 consisting of Luke Pritchard, Hugh Harris, Paul Garred and Dan Logan. Their debut album Inside In/ Inside Out went on to reach critical acclaim peaking at 2 in the charts and with it brought an influx of fans that have paved their way to success. Konk is their recently named second album that peaked at number one in the charts with its first single "always where i need to be" peaking at 3.

Band Line up:
Luke Pritchard Lead Vocalist/Guitarist
Hugh Harris Lead Guitarist/Back up vocalist
Paul Garred Drummer
Dan Logan Bassist

Ex Members:
Max Rafferty Bassist

KONK

Anticipating "todays" album is like anticipating a holiday. You wait all year and then when it's the day of departure your flight is late, your hotel is grubby and the food is just about bearable.
Too many albums both fail to satisfy and fulfil leaving you dreadfully disappointed before the cycle begins again and the next album is released. As you can imagine i didn't meet the Kooks second album "Konk" with much optimism although to my surprise the album turned out to be quite impressive. A gem infact.
Konk is the return of Britpop. Fuelled by catchy guitars hooks, a solid, funky rhythm section and Pritchard's unique vocals Konk is quite simply mesmerising.
Inside In/Inside Out was an iconic album although as debuts go it was played quite safe. Now flying high the kooks fail to take any caution by simply letting loose and in the process create a dynamic album in sound and lyrics that shows a wider array of experimentation than their previous efforts. Tracks ooze the confidence that the kooks have now acquainted themselves with. Indie Pop, Indie Rock and influences as diverse as reggae drive the album and in the process create strong and emotional songs that border greatness. A pulsating album that will win many plaudits for this astounding effort.
On the negative side however it becomes evident that the band struggle to stamp their own identity on proceedings. Too many influences obstruct the flow of the album although in my opinion it doesn't prevent the album from being an even better effort than their first. The album is fun and playful producing a lighter sound that you will enjoy and undoubtly become hooked.

Track Listing
01 See The Sun - The song craft skills of these young men are amazing and this is quite evident within Konks opener "see the sun". The gentle strum of the electric guitar makes the song stand out from the moment it begins. This song is a jangly folk-rocker that has great tempo and is carried by its outstanding lead guitar line. A great melody that creates a nice opening.

02 Always Where I Need To Be - The first single from the album that has increasingly became a signature track. A guitar rush complete with a "do do do do do" chorous creates a poppy number that you can't help but love. In reality though it's an ordinary pop song to ensure commercial success.

03 Mr Maker - Vibrant hooks help to create a upbeat and debonair track that would fit into place on The Kooks first album Inside In/ Inside Out. Not one of my favourites because of its simplicity and unimaginative spine. I would however admit it's a likable song that you will thoroughly enjoy.

04 Do You Wanna - A cocky, arrogant and almost boastful track that proves the Kooks are vastly becoming modern rock stars and forgetting their poppy routes. Explosive guitars are essential for this Rock and Roll feel. The irony is however the song is filled with modern pop with a catchy chorus and a Britpop flavouring. Nevertheless a great song that is one of my favourites.

05 Gap - An inspiring track that sees reggae influences beginning to emerge. An infectious vibe that borders on the genius of the kooks former signature track "naïve". A track free of pop compromising deep emotion with tender guitar hooks. Lukes desperation is seen within lyrics such as "Don't go and take my love/ I won't let you/ I'm saying please don't go." The gem of the album. You will be moved.

06 Love It All - Back to the kooks poppy routes and its "love it all". A pleasant song that combines some fine vocal layering and some juicy guitar riffs. A safe song that doesn't shine although isn't dim.

07 Stormy Weather - A loud and velocious roar of a track complete with pulsating drums and a wicked guitar solo. A song where Luke simply tries to describe love and ultimately captures the madness of it.

08 Sway - My favourite track on Konk. "Sway" is an impressively brooding, swelling anthem that uses an electrifying guitar solo and Luke Pritchard's emphatic vocals to create an amazing track. A rare moment of dark emotion that will have the crowds jumping and rocking with arms up in the air when played live. The kooks can do rock and more importantly can do genius as well.

09 Shine On - From my favourite track on the album to my least favourite. The song that has just been released as the second single of the album and will undoubtly become very popular. The song isn't really bad though its not that great either. Lilting guitars and its arm-swaying chorus will make it succesful although it isn't one of the Kooks best efforts in terms of song writing.

10 Down To The Market - Lacks ambition and lyrical bite. I do however like this song for its indie feel and reminesence of Arctic Monkeys.

11 One Last Time - The soft-pop acoustics of "one last time" creates a melody that captures a mood and therefore becomes quite moving. This track also boasts the most recognisable bass line and has unique vocal tones of 'ooo' in the background. Maybe too "lovey dovey" for some but certainly an eye opener.

12 Tick Of Time - A track that is unique as i have never heard a track like this by the kooks. A demo style intro adds to the relaxed theme that will soon have you clapping along to this tracks melodic passages. A reggae inspired track that completes a great ending to the album.

Hidden Track 13 All Over Town - A bland use of vocals and lyrical content nevertheless that's why it's hidden. A great acoustic sketch however.

OVERALL
I give this album 8 out of 10. The majority of tracks are master pieces that carry a complexity and artistic vibe I have never seen with the Kooks before. A brilliant attempt at creating an album with deep intelligence although fun and enjoyful to listen too. An album I will turn to for many years. Well done Kooks.

ALBUM ART
A picture of the studio the album was produced in with the band members casually stood there with the album name and name of studio Konk in a blue neon sign above them. Not exactly Abbey Road nevertheless nice album cover.

PRICE
I paid £11 in Zavvi for this album when it first came out although I expect the price to of gone down now. You should be able to get it for at least £8 now and I have seen many cd retailers on the internet selling it at a bargain price of £5. Whichever price you get it the album will be worth every penny I assure you. 

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