The Kooks embrace Soul and Nostalgia on New Album ‘Never/Know’
British indie rock band The Kooks have announced their seventh studio album, ‘Never/Know,’ set to be released on May 9th, 2025. The record marks a unique turning point for the band, wiht frontman Luke Pritchard taking the reins as sole producer. Pritchard, reflecting on the album’s creation process, shared, “I felt like I had lost myself a little bit – I’d worked with a lot of different producers. I decided I wanted to go back to just writing on my own, especially the lyrics. I was trying to get my identity back, and see what happens – and I guess soul [music] came out!”
‘Never/Know’ follows the 2022 release of ’10 tracks to Echo in the Dark,’ and appears to be a heartfelt exploration of life’s joys and uncertainties. The led single, also titled ‘Never/Know,’ showcases a shift in the band’s sound, embracing a more minimalist and soulful vibe. Its breezy whistled intro and organ melody set a distinctly summery mood, hinting at the album’s overall thematic explorations of fleeting moments and seizing the day.
“You never know when you’re going to meet the love of your life, but also when it’s all going to end,” Pritchard admitted to NME
“In that sense, it’s positive, but also about grabbing hold of the moment. The whole album’s got that kind of vibe running through it.” He further painted a picture of the song’s inspiration, stating, “Summer will be coming around soon. That’s the picture – you’re in a nifty little sports car that you can’t quite afford.You’ve got your best friend and your partner with you, you’re living for the moment and celebrating that, even though things are bad, we still live in a especially amazing time. Maybe it will lift some of the January gloom!”
For Pritchard, ‘Never/Know’ reflects a newfound sense of hope and thankfulness for the simple things in life, inspired by finding love and navigating life’s ups and downs. As he puts it, “It’s that cliché, ‘Smile, and the world smiles with you.’ When I met my wife, honestly, I didn’t think that was ever going to happen for me. All of a sudden, you’re in a whole new universe, and the simple things are much more beautiful – that’s the miracle of life. It doesn’t mean it’s not hard on the way, but it’s about hope.”
After two decades in the music industry, Luke Pritchard, frontman of The Kooks, has learned a thing or two about trusting his instincts. His latest album, brimming with positive vibes and romantic melodies, reflects this newfound confidence. Pritchard explains,”I’m in quite a peaceful state right now,and I think we’ve been very blessed,with this unbelievable support – especially from younger audiences – that has really kept us fresh.We’re trying to deliver a feeling,and on this album,it’s positive and romantic.”
While soul music hasn’t always been a central influence, Pritchard acknowledges its undeniable warmth and infectious energy. ”Music is just a feeling, and that’s something I’ve been resonating with a lot,” he shares. “Sometimes you’ve got to let your subconscious do a lot of the work, because you deliver the message clearer. Sometimes you just have the oddest lyric that conveys what you’re feeling – but it can be out of context – and I think you’ve got to go with that.”
Pritchard’s songwriting journey has seen its share of evolution.Reflecting on past experiences, he admits, “As a songwriter, you don’t want to get in your own way – you can think of the big picture too quickly. Every artist has these songs that you’re convinced are the best thing you’ve done, and it maybe doesn’t connect the way you thought. I have gone through phases of not trusting myself and my taste as well.”
Despite the pressures of maintaining a triumphant career, Pritchard embraces the joy of creation. He finds inspiration in everyday moments, particularly the simple pleasures of fatherhood. “Having kids around, it’s a lot of joy amidst the crazy challenges and the doom and gloom. I was trying to transmit some of that,” he reveals. “Tough At The Top” stands out as a defiant anthem amidst the album’s overall positive tone, showcasing Pritchard’s ability to navigate complex emotions with honesty and vulnerability.
The Kooks Are Back with a Primal Scream and a “Bad habit” Vibe
The Kooks are returning with a new sound that echoes their signature energy while boldly venturing into fresh territory. Their latest track,”Compass Will Fracture,” pulsates with a raw intensity reminiscent of The Weeknd,as frontman Luke Pritchard explains: “The chorus is almost like The Weeknd! It’s primal,and it was an expression of being able to [speak] for the first time,really,about the pressure release that I’ve had for years. Being quite young when it all started happening for us, and the way everything changed. It is a primal scream to the epicentre and the pressure of that.”
while ”Compass Will Fracture” conjures a slightly spooky,bluesy vibe with echoes of The Rolling Stones,the track also showcases the band’s evolution. Pritchard reveals, “It’s got that slightly spooky blues thing – it’s quite Stones-y, we would get into that Stones slinkiness.When it came to the chorus, I thought, ‘I’m just gonna do a guitar riff – I haven’t done that for ages.’ It’s such a guitar record, but it’s also got a modernity to it, something fresh about it. I was almost searching for imperfection… ‘Compass Will Fracture’ was, like, the second take – very [Bob Dylan] style. I think that delivers spontaneity, which is what rock ‘n’ roll is, to me – it’s the danger of spontaneity. It’s about swagger and attitude, and I feel like I got that back myself.”
This sense of swagger and self-assuredness seems to resonate deeply with younger generations.The Kooks’ enduring popularity on platforms like TikTok has sparked curiosity about their continued appeal to Gen Z. Pritchard offers a humble perspective: “I’m a musician, so I don’t know how to analyze it too much. You talk about DNA – we still have that coming-of-age feel when we play music.We still have it. Hopefully, it’s just because we’re keeping fresh, we’re evolving, and we’re quite open to new things. We don’t think about it overly, we just try to play with a kind of spirit that works with people of all ages, really.”
As they continue to conquer new stages and captivate audiences, The Kooks remain true to their roots while constantly pushing their creative boundaries. With their fresh music and undeniable energy, The Kooks are sure to keep rocking our world for years to come.
The Kooks have weathered the storms of industry speculation and public scrutiny since their emergence, facing similar challenges to othre breakout bands. Sharing his perspective on the topic, frontman Luke Pritchard acknowledged the realities of priviledge and nepotism within the music industry, stating, “we all know that there’s nepotism and people that have a privileged upbringing – that has always happened in the music industry, like any other industry. But it doesn’t mean that a song isn’t a great song.”
He went on to draw parallels between The Kooks’ experiences at BRIT School and the accusations levelled against rising artists like The Last Dinner Party. “‘Industry plant’ talk is something we’ve heard before, especially after going to BRIT School. We even joked about making t-shirts saying,’The Kooks Stage School.’ Thankfully, things have changed a lot since then.
Pritchard emphasized the importance of respect for artists, regardless of their background, saying, “I respect anyone who can get on stage and play, and someone who can write music. You don’t know what they’ve been through in their life. But we also do live in an age where [cancel culture] is really common, and it’s…” The statement thoughtfully hangs, leaving a space for reflection on the complexities of public perception and the impact of online discourse on the music industry.
The Kooks: Back with ‘Never/Know’ and a Nostalgic Love for Indie Discos
The Kooks are back with a new album, “Never/Know,” set for release on May 9th via Virgin Music Group. This fifth studio album marks a continuation of their signature blend of indie rock infused with catchy melodies and introspective lyrics.
to celebrate the release, the band hosted an intimate indie disco night, a testament to their enduring connection with the genre. “There’s a nostalgia to it,” explains frontman Luke pritchard, “but they’re still going on, and our records are still being spun there – so it’s a nice thing. It’s for the fans … a really intimate experience of a proper indie night.”
These nights aren’t just about reliving the past, though. They’re about creating a unique experience, complete with specially crafted cocktails with names like the “Never Know”-groni, a nod to the album’s title.”We’ve got some alcohol free ones too,” Pritchard adds with a smile.
Beyond the music, Pritchard’s passion for storytelling extends to a planned sci-fi novel, though he admits with a laugh, “I got in the way of myself, to circle back!.” He assures fans, “One day, I will write a sci-fi novel.” While album commitments take priority for now, his creative ambitions clearly extend beyond the realm of music.
“I reckon you’ve got 20 years to write your first novel?” he quips, highlighting the band’s dedication to their musical journey. “I’ve got albums to make!”
The Kooks’ new album “Never/Know” promises to be another chapter in their musical journey, a blend of nostalgia and evolution, fueled by musical passion and a spirit of creative exploration.
Pre-order or stream “Never/Know” here:
- 1. ‘Never Know’
- 2. ‘Sunny Baby’
- 3. ‘All Over The World’
- 4. ‘If They Could Only Know’
- 5. ‘China Town’
- 6. ‘Compass Will Fracture’
- 7. ‘Tough At The Top’
- 8.‘Arrow Through Me’
- 9.‘Echo Chamber’
- 10. ‘Let You Go’
The Kooks are Coming to a City Near You in 2025
Get ready to sing along to your favorite Kooks anthems! The indie rock band has announced a new UK tour for 2025, bringing their infectious energy and catchy melodies to fans across the country.
One of the highlights of their tour is a performance at the renowned TRNSMT Festival in Glasgow on July 11th. The festival is known for its incredible lineup and vibrant atmosphere, making it the perfect setting for The Kooks to showcase their musical prowess.
Tickets for the tour are on sale now, so don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of The Kooks live.
You can find all the details and secure your spot at their website here.
What inspired Luke Pritchard’s lyrical themes and the sound of The Kooks’ new album ”Never/Know”?
The Kooks: Luke Pritchard on ‘Never/Know’, Indie discos, and Beyond
The Kooks are back with a new album, ”Never/Know,” and frontman Luke Pritchard is eager to share their latest musical journey. In a recent interview, Pritchard delves into the influences behind the album, the joy of hosting indie disco nights, and his aspirations beyond music.
Archyde: Congratulations on the release of “Never/Know”! What inspired the album’s sound and lyrical themes?
Luke Pritchard: Thanks! This album is definitely a reflection of where I am in life right now. There’s a sense of nostalgia running through it, looking back at previous chapters while also embracing the present. Lyrically, I explored themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human connection.
Archyde: Your “Never Know” indie disco nights seem like a blast.what’s the appeal of revisiting those classic indie vibes?
Luke Pritchard: There’s something magical about those late-night indie discos. It’s a chance to connect with fans over a shared love of music. It’s nostalgic, but it’s also about creating a unique experience – a proper trip down memory lane with some extra sparkle.
Archyde: You’ve mentioned writing a sci-fi novel in the past. Any updates on that project?
Luke Pritchard: Haha, I’ve always dreamed of writing one! It still sits in a folder somewhere, waiting for its moment.for now, the focus is on the music, but one day, I’d love to share that story with the world.
Archyde: Looking back on the journey so far, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your time with The Kooks?
Luke Pritchard: I’d say the importance of passion and resilience. Keep chasing your dreams, face any challenges head-on, and never forget the joy of creating music.
With “Never/Know,” The Kooks are proving that they’re still going strong, continuing to capture hearts with their infectious sound and evocative lyrics.
