LIVE REVIEW: THE KOOKS @ PALACE FORESHORE

PHOTO CREDIT: Paris Gorozidis

Do The Kooks still make Music?

Yes, they do.

Do they still got it?

Hell yeah.

They are arguably one of the most important bands to come out of the indie sleaze era, their debut album “Inside In/Inside Out” with iconic tracks like “Naive” and “Ooh La”. Indie sleaze is so back – and I feel The Kooks might be the leaders of the indie sleaze revival, apart from the likings of The Dare and Charli XCX (of course).

The Kooks graced St Kilda’s seaside live music precinct on the 27 th of February to celebrate their new up and coming album “Never Know”. The Kooks are a bit old to the scene, yes, but I don’t think they are dated in anyway- they have managed to stay relevant in the indie-pop persuasion. Their sound is typically crisp, with strong clarity in the vocals and guitars, allowing their upbeat indie-pop rock style to shine through. Their sound is ever-evolving, though, from the “youthful abandon” of their early 2000s to a more modern sound that still sticks to their punky, skinny-jeaned roots.

Their new songs from the album Never/Know that are out now “Never Know” and “Jeanie” in collaboration with lovelytheband has more of a pop heavy aesthetic to it- that feels both uplifting and groovy, the use of more synth rather than electric guitar in their backing tracks aids this. I was excited how it would play out live, I am not used to this new and shiny version of The Kooks.

I was pleasantly surprised about how many people filled up the precinct space, I thought that The Kooks were beyond their glory years. There was a lot of hustle and bustle in the crowd, so I was prepared for a great, energy filled show.

To be honest, though, I was slightly disappointed. The crowd was not giving The Kooks the energy they deserve. Luke Pritchard’s stage presence is undeniable, he is so charismatic and tried really hard to engage the crowd. But the audience just didn’t give it back to him.

My brother, who saw The Kooks 10 years ago in their prime - thinks they haven’t changed at all, that they are slight sell outs. People were only there for “Naïve” and “Seaside” and only sang those songs. I was like what about all the other iconic discography?
“Taking Pictures of You”, “Sofa Song” “Matchbox” to name a few. There was a slightly older crew in the audience, and I think they didn’t care for their newer stuff.

I saw them at “Party In The Paddock” and I have to say they were better live there, the crowd interaction was so much more fun. Maybe it’s something about the Tassie waters, they just know how to party.

Hopefully we get to see The Kooks return to Melbourne so we can do The Kooks justice.

Their album is out May 9th , go listen to it!