Junk of the Heart.

Waiting for an album from your favorite band to be released is always exciting. What sort of sound will they present? Will it be a disappointed? How can they possibly beat some of their old tracks? These are all questions we ask ourselves when purchasing that long-awaited album.

These are all questions that filled my head on Monday the 12th of September. As I carefully placed my headphones into my ears, scrolled down the music library, selected albums and finally sought out the chosen album I waited in anticipation as I carefully hit the play button on my iPod. Playing Junk Of The Heart (Happy) by The Kooks.

Yes, Indie band The Kooks are finally back. After a two-year break the Brighton band have finally returned with a new album, Junk of the Heart. A sequel to the hit album Konk, released in 2008, the new album has been highly anticipated by many adoring fans. Yet, it’s a little disappointing.

Ok, so I’ve only listened to it a couple of times but there are only really a few songs I like. The rusty voice of lead singer Luke Pritchard still remains but the music hasn’t got the acoustic rhythms and “Kookyness” of the past albums. Don’t get me wrong it’s a good album and I admire them for their efforts to develop their style and go outside the box but in my eyes it just doesn’t suit them.

Still, there are a few songs that the bands unique sound shines through and I’m sure as I continue to listen my opinion will change, and I will grow to love it. Despite my first opinion, one thing will always remain, I still love The Kooks.

The Kooks.

The Kooks

As the sun and heat have returned to California, us residents often celebrate by going to the beach. For me this means I get to wack out some of my all time favorite tunes and listen to the sweet acoustic sounds of great bands.  Such artists include my ultimate favorites, The Kooks.

Listening to both albums just fills me with warmth. The Kooks music is full of merriment in the form of unique guitar rhythms, rusty tones and quirky lyrics, each song setting the scene for the perfect picnic at the beach or breezy bike ride through the hills of the countryside.

An indie pop band from the seaside resort of Brighton, a place I also associate with home, the group started off very successfully, getting signed 3 months after forming by Virgin records. In 2006 they released their first album “Inside In/Inside Out” and followed with”Konk” in 2008. Both albums were extremely successful and we can only hope that they will release some new material soon.

So as the sun is shining I would recommend that you get into the summer spirit and get listening to The Kooks !