Note: They’re named after the track “Kooks” on David Bowie’s 1971 album Hunky Dory.
Sound: A review of classic and current Brit pop, rock and punk – whether inspired by the acoustic bounce of The Kinks, the ramshackle rawness of The Libertines, the scuzz-guitar sonics of Supergrass, the juvenile attitude of Arctic Monkeys or even the rebel, reggae-flavor of The Clash. Regardless of the influence, they deliver quick-hitting songs with snappy hooks.
Lyrics: Rock star shenanigans and escapades with the ladies.
Heavy Rotation track: “Ooh La”
Medium Rotation tracks: “Eddie’s Gun”; “Sofa Song”; “If Only”; “She Moves In Her Own Way”
Explicit Lyrics*: “Jackie Big Tits”
Recommended: Despite their familiar sound, The Kooks have enough sharp pop songcraft, wit, vigor and variety to make them hard to ignore. Many of the tracks fly by too fast, though. If they were to take their diverse tastes and use them to further develop their songs, they might really have something.
Grade: B

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* Noting of explicit lyrics is for the benefit of radio music directors or anyone else that needs/wants to keep their music FCC-friendly.