Whatever changes in pop music, there is always a need for classical guitar bands. The Kooks cannot in the slightest be accused of new ideas. The only ambition is to create catchy, energetic songs in the best British pop tradition. And they do that well, because the debut Inside In / Inside Out (2006) sold no less than one and a half million times. In keeping with the same tradition, some of those
… tidy songs contain some irony. Just listen to the character sketch Mr. Maker, in which songwriter Luke Pritchard tries to rival Ray Davies. But he also doesn't turn his nose for a 'silly love song' like Do You Wanna. Everything is of course brought with a cold voice and a bold accent, as has been the new standard in British pop since Arctic Monkeys. The result is a nice but otherwise unremarkable album. (MS)more
