The Kooks may not be as musically beholden to the Kinks as their name and title of their sophomore set imply (the latter being a reference to the Kinks’ Konk recording studios), but their adherence to fidgety agitpop precepts distinguishes them as the latest claimant to a long and hallowed Brit rock tradition. It’s also worth noting that Konk marks a definitive evolution in the Kook’s limited trajectory, one that finds the brash confidence of their debut affirmed by their growing competence as both musicians and tunesmiths. From the opening barrage of “See the Sun,” with its sleek and sprightly wallop, though to the jaunty stride of “Mr. Maker,” the propulsive pop of “Always Where I Need to Be” and the grabbing refrain of “Shine On,” Konk resonates with a decidedly assertive swagger and sway. Granted, the Kooks owe as much to attitude as they do to aptitude, but they clearly know how to write infectious tunes and filter them through with cockiness and cool. “I know you wanna, I know you wanna make love to me,” they crow on “Do You Wanna.” They build on the bravado with “Love It All,” wailing about a woman who… “loves me all the time. No need for excuses, no pressures in my mind.” Fortunately, there’s cause to forgive the self-indulgence. Being young and brash, they’re naturally disposed to talking some trash.
--Lee Zimmerman {April 28, 2008]
