The Kooks - Inside In / Inside Out
The Kooks have become the latest British hit band hoping to carry their success across the pond with the US release of their new album Inside In / Inside Out. This comes after having risen to UK stardom, receiving widespread radio airplay and critical praise from an enthusiastic British press.
Songs like “Eddie’s Gun” and “You Don’t Love Me” immediately make one think of the banging, abrasive electric guitar riffs characteristic of bands like the Libertines. However, if you are looking for witty songs about gritty subjects, this album doesn’t have them. For the most part, the Kooks restrict themselves to writing simple, earnest, sometimes reflective lyrics about teenage life. To their credit, they borrow from a great deal of influences, including a touch of reggae. Sometimes this results in drawn-out songs like “Got No Love” or “I Want You Back” that one would rather skip. However, songs like “Match Box” or “Time Awaits” keep the listener interested by changing rhythms at unpredictable times. “Naive” and “She Moves in Her Own Way” provide Inside In / Inside Out with pop hits to bob your head to.
Does rock music absolutely need the Kooks? Not really. Is it better off with them around? Certainly. Who doesn’t like a damn good summer sing-a-long song? What a shame America is only getting this album just now.
Grade: 3.5/5 lit-up cell phones.
Recommended if you like: The Libertines, Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes
- Jose Ramirez