THE KOOKS RELEASE THEIR SIXTH STUDIO ALBUM

’10 TRACKS TO ECHO IN THE DARK’ 

NSG’s Mal Keenan has a good listen and gives us his thoughts on this exciting new KOOKS album!

ALBUM REVIEW

The Kooks – a band name synonymous with energetic, catchy, lively feel-good songs and many a memory made listening to songs such as ‘She Moves in Her Own Way‘, ‘See the Sun‘ or ‘Four Leaf Clover‘ during those hot summer beer garden days.  Good news! The band today release a new album full of even more of the same kind of music.

‘10 Tracks to Echo in the Dark‘ is the name of the upcoming album and we at New Sound Generation were given a chance to listen to it prior to its release today the 22nd of July 2022. It’s safe to say, with being massive fans of the band, we jumped at the chance to review it, giving you all our thoughts on the album in conjunction with its release.

The album opens up with ‘Connection‘ with an instant retro synth and compressed drum sound. Luke Pritchard’s recognisable vocals are introduced riding the inflections in his vocals like waves on a choppy sea giving off a sense of nonchalance and attitude. When the chorus hits though Pritchard’s vocals come through strong and powerful showcasing yet another facet of his singing style. The power of the vocals in the chorus serves as adding meaning and gravitas to the overall song meaning, wanting to make a connection and keep it with that special someone. The band accompanies Luke’s singing and style with dexterity, from their deep and resonating bass riffs at the forefront of the soundscape, to the ever-present synth and backing vocals. The absence of guitar is hardly missed as there’s enough in the song to keep your interest. 

As Connection, a strong opener, fades out slowly I brace myself for the next track, ‘Cold Heart‘ expecting more of the same. I’m surprised however by the introduction of crisp and clean guitar riff guiding us through the intro. The bass provided by Hugh Harris again takes more of a front of stage sound yet again rather then bow to the usual strong guitar sound. Bongos are used during the intro along with a drum machine sound making for an interesting listen giving off waves of the late 80s/early 90s pop. The chorus is brought in with a wave of sound with cymbals and an array of percussion giving, me at least, the shivers. The song is essentially about unrequited love from someone shut off with a cold heart. A breakdown after the mid-point takes it right down, to the point it’s a different song altogether. An atmospheric jungle sound before an acoustic takes it even further. Luke’s reverb laden vocals adds to the dreamy feeling accompanied by a chorus of kid-like playground song backing and it’s a given that you just sit back and listen enjoying the ride.

The Kooks continue their string of songs with ‘Jessie James‘. A contrasting sound of light jangly indie guitar and deep sounding bass complement other as the intro starts. As the chorus comes about the synth comes into the picture as jangly as the guitar. The melody which accompanies the bass is really nice to listen to. Throw in some great vocals from Luke this time with added effects. Overall, the track offers something different to the tracks that came before. Overall, it’s a light-hearted song about reassurance and gives off the summer vibes-a-plenty. A nice sounding distorted guitar plays towards the end giving us yet another sound into the mix which compliments the song nicely.

Not relenting with the up-tempo indie pop feel, they then offer ‘Closer‘ which greets us with bongos, compressed drums a steadily played piano beat. Yet another unique feel to this song. Luke then sings through with dexterity and further showcasing his songwriting skills with the lyrics somewhat being thrown out there but yet every word has a meaning. The chorus hits hard with the retro sounding but fresh compressed drums and synth. It’s certain this song will be one sung back at them wherever they play live as the chorus is slow, easy to remember and catchy. As the song ventures to a close, a gritty sounding synth guitar sound elevates the song even further as Luke sings with skills and dexterity through it all.

‘Sailing on a Dream‘ is next and the intro is instantly reminiscent of a David Bowie early 80s hit with a similar singing style and music arrangement. As the song moves on though, the song comes into its own with trumpets and even more bongos striking up yet even more summer holiday vibes. Luke ventures into his soprano range throughout with ease further proving his chops as a frontman as if they ever needed to be questioned.  Another great feel-good song striking home mental images of being abroad on holiday.

To further give us that feel-good summer feeling, The Kooks bring us ‘Beautiful World’ a collaboration with German rock band ‘Milky Chance‘. The song is a Caribbean-style affair from its staccato electric guitar to its organ style synth. Luke Pritchard takes us through the verses as if a preacher spreading the word of the joy to be found in the world. Luke allows backing vocals with a gritty singing style to be sung taking turns throughout the song giving a sense of light and shade. A great song to listen to if needing a reminder that it’s not all bad news, which we could all use right now following the pandemic.

The Kooks return to a slightly more indie rock style with ‘Modern Days‘ with an emphasis on the great sounding bass, clean cut guitar sound and a simplistic drum beat. The chorus is a catchy number setting itself apart from the rest with a robotic vocal effect. The synth is used sparsely and to good effect adding another level to the vocals. The rhythm pattern and beat is one to have a few foot stomps and hand-claps for sure.

As we journey into the final three tracks from the album consisting of tracks best listened to on a beach we stumble across an Oasis. ‘Oasis‘ is a short indie pop track with 80s style drums, bass and jangly guitar.  Luke sings us through with ease with accompanying deep vocal backing with effects and before you know it it’s over.

Next up is ‘25‘, a low down and slinky number from its deep and resonant bass and a drum beat that compliments it well. Luke’s vocals enter and compliment the slinkiness. I can’t help but tap my foot along while listening and I’m sure you’ll find you are too. The synth escalates the chorus to new levels and the fuzzy reverb laden guitar adds a fitting ending to the chorus giving a break from the synth slightly.  Luke provides backing vocal harmony throughout which is a nice touch.

Last but not least to close off what has been an all round amazing album we have ‘Without a Doubt‘. we are greeted with a stripped back song – just an acoustic and Luke Pritchard initially which is a striking change of tone from the rest of the album with its full on synth, meaty bass riffs and reverb turned up to 11. It’s a sombre tone of song too rather than a high energy, up tempo indie pop hit. Regardless of the sombre tone, it’s a love song which comes across as innocent and genuine struck home by the xylophone and softly played guitar and organ synth sound.

Overall, what we have here is a back to back tour-de-force in indie pop. It’s a love letter to the 80s, love and summer trips abroad. You’d have to get your magnifying glass out here to find any signs of negativity under all of the up-beat and bright instruments/vocals, but maybe that’s what we all need now more than ever. The joyful, optimistic and happy tonality of the tracks could be put down to Luke Pritchard’s stints away in Berlin and becoming a father for the first time.

Luke said about the album – “I really hope that sense of inner peace comes across,”, “I really want to have fun with my life at this point. But also – it’s kinda a reflection of what I was feeling in real-time in a pre-and-post COVID world.

Review by Mal Keenan