After releasing the brilliant 2006 smash hit Inside In/Outside Out, The Kooks returned with a vengeance with the release of their new album Konk. Konk is a continuation of Inside In/Outside Out with more of the same fast-paced anthems that mix lead singer Luke Pritchard’s heavily accented vocals with an onslaught of up-beat guitar driven pop. What separates the Kooks from other British bands, like their predecessors the Arctic Monkeys, is their ability to stay unique. The Kooks’ sound, unlike the Arctic Monkeys, didn’t get old after one album, and tracks like the single “Always Where I Need to Be” and “Do You Wanna” take the Kooks’ version of British pop to new levels. With catchy songs, fine-tuned musicianship, and their British flare, the Kooks’ new album will make them household names overseas and in America.

[audio:http://download.stereogum.com/mp3/The%20Kooks%20-%20Always%20Where%20I%20Need%20To%20Be%20(Live).mp3][ratings]

Ryan Shaver, staff writer