I like The Kooks. They remind me of the mid 00's where their debut album Inside In/Inside Out was huge and indie was my thing. Their follow up, Konk, was not nearly as impressive as the initial release. My music taste progressed and me, like many others became disinterested. Their music was no longer something unique, special. It seemed a half-hearted attempted at creating another album. Thankfully, the newly released EP Down seems to be a realisation of this and it is positively different and refreshing.
Titled-track Down 'opens' up the EP and immediately the influence of co-producer Inflo's hip-hop approach can be heard, though not an actual hip hop sound, more of an old school R&B influence. The acapella introduction in contrast with sudden added texture marks the beginning of a new sound for the band. The song is pleasantly simplistic, catchy and even more acoustic sounding than previously.
Hooray for Henry follows a similar suit in its simplicity. They've created a perfect balance of originality combined with their usual sound. Whilst this is good, it lacks dynamics or at least, something that would maintain interest in the track. It gives the impression that the band have focused on composing something different and unlike them, rather than something people will enjoy.
Luckily, this is changed in Hold On. The vocals are reflective of newer bands like Foster The People. It's upbeat tempo is ideal for a summer soundtrack and the incorporation of short string sequences contributes to the new band approach.
Hooray for Henry follows a similar suit in its simplicity. They've created a perfect balance of originality combined with their usual sound. Whilst this is good, it lacks dynamics or at least, something that would maintain interest in the track. It gives the impression that the band have focused on composing something different and unlike them, rather than something people will enjoy.
Luckily, this is changed in Hold On. The vocals are reflective of newer bands like Foster The People. It's upbeat tempo is ideal for a summer soundtrack and the incorporation of short string sequences contributes to the new band approach.
Melody Maker is the song that sounds closest to the band's old sound. Its mostly acoustic/vocal duo sound is similar to older tracks like Seaside. The fact that Luke Pritchard's vocals are still the same as they always have been represents realness in their attempt to create music. They are still The Kooks and this is certainly not forgotten by them.
This is only a teaser of what the Kooks have in store for fans but from hearing Down, we can be sure to expect excitement, realism and anything you predict that they would do in the past, they most definitely will depart from that. It may not be a sound that people will initially warm to but it's something that will have to be accepted.
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