Konk (Bonus Track Version)

iTunes Review

With a healthy interest in rock history — they recorded much of their second album at the Kinks’ Ray Davies’ Konk studios for which the album is named — The Kooks manage to transcend their obvious influences (the Kinks, Buzzcocks, Suede) and their place amongst peers (Strokes, Thrills, Libertines) by putting forth tight, tuneful, harmony-packed tunes that feature the usual bass-drums-guitar textures delivered with extra amphetamine in their step. While they’ve front-loaded the album with the quick, catchy opening five-peat of “See the Sun,” “Always Where I Need to Be,” “Mr. Maker,” “Do You Wanna,” and “Gap” that rip down the pavement with a determined young man’s entitlement to the world, they’ve also layered the album to include gentler moments of reflection. The organ-acoustic “Shine On” is particularly affecting. Singer Luke Pritchard sings in animated frustration even when he’s celebrating. The acoustic-based “Love It All” slows just enough to provide room for a few, touching vocal vulnerabilities, while the expanded dynamics of “Sway” stay true to the band’s indomitable spirit but point towards a depth that proves this is more than just a band with a knack for the catchy single.