'We could have chosen a new band name'. Luke Pritchard does not lie during the promotion of Listen (2014), the fourth album by his band The Kooks. Tired of guitars and the pressure to make alternative pop, the Englishman went to New Orleans to immerse himself in American music. Los Angeles and 'good old London' then set the stage for the recording process with hip-hop producer Inflo at the helm.
New Orleans? Los Angeles? Hip hop producer? Indeed, The Kooks are making a completely new start. Many indie bands opt for electronic sauce, but The Kooks seek refuge in gospel, soul and funk on Listen. Not everyone will appreciate this and the knives of the critics are of course sharpened. But if we're honest, we just have to appreciate the audacity of Pritchard and co. The Kooks were fast becoming a dull band and are extending their relevance with this successful experiment. The album title actually deserves an exclamation mark, because this CD deserves to be listened to. (JE)more
