THE KOOKS are a new outfit from Brighton, the isle s most eerie location down south coast. Did I mean 'new'? Singer Luke Pritchard is only 19 years old. Hugh Harris, the axeman, can t get his driving license until his 17s end their toll. Max Rafferty (nice name) takes the bass with response under the 20s. Paul Garred plays the drums like people twice his age.
Differing from ponderous fellows BRITISH SEA POWER, THE KOOKS are unambashed, unbridled Pop-Punks in the best BUZZCOCKS tradition. They are sarcastic lads with hearts and pop ears widely open. Of course they love SUPERGRASS and THE KINKS. They also have some room for Funk and Reggae. And they also want the world right now. They count on all that youth malevolence sorely missed since, hum, Is This It?
This side of ARCTIC MONKEYS, THE KOOKS are the brightest starts of 'new British Rock', with all hype, tabloids and legendary gigs included. Just in case you missed it, they are named after a DAVID BOWIE song. They know the star game.
June 11th 2005 witnessed their first release, the Eddie s Gun single (with California on the turntile). The first effort ever from THE KOOKS is a mix of exhaling hormones and acute ironic references.
Leading track Eddie s Gun packs more dynamics than your usual LIBERTINES. Although not as crafted as, say, MAXIMO PARK, they have spontainty. From a deceptive acoustic intro, they burst dubbing melody after melody until the arrival of a charming guitar solo (young Harris is worth his pants). Pritchard is a busy, kinetic frontman. Rafferty cuts with a vengeance. But the real deal is Garred s frantic assault and seamless pulse.
California (ARCTIC MONKEYS talked about San Francisco, uh) is a Ska-Punk rendition in the best HOT HOT HEAT tradition. Irony, a real piano and urgency place the track next to SUPERGRASS and THE VINES. The brief guitar outbursts show Harris to be one of the most promising British players of the era.
That is to say: save some bucks for Inside In/Inside Out, THE KOOKS 23th January 2006 debut on full-lenght CD. No Epinions. No All-Music Guide yet. See ya!
Tracklist:
(* * * * ½) Eddie s Gun
(* * * *) California
Recommended:
Yes
Great Music to Play While: Getting ready to go out
