Swaying on shoulders, singing in unison, and gingerly dancing between the balcony’s corridors, It’s good vibes all round for The Kooks as they sell out two nights at Birmingham’s O2 Academy.
Tonight’s a celebration of their influential debut album Inside In/Inside Out, with the addition of more than a few hits which slide their way into a ‘best of’ style performance. Luke Pritchard begins as he struts on stage acoustic guitar in hand echoing the familiar chords of opener ‘Seaside’. It’s a move that is a little blush-worthy, but the crowd are unapologetically here for it.
Birmingham are ready from the get-go, singing lyrics back to Pritchard as he steps away from the mic and dances around the stage to the opening tracks of their debut. ‘Ooh La’ is screamed back to the stage as the familiar lyrics and acoustic strums transport us back 15 years or so. The excitement doesn’t end here though as the familiar upbeat chords of ‘She Moves in Her Own Way’ see those in the thick of it clambering on shoulders to sing and dance to one of the indie generations most notable soundtracks.
‘Connection’ brings us back to 2022. It’s a glance at up-and-coming album 10 Tracks to Echo in the Dark and is an electronic-infused love song that lays down simple beats and heartfelt lyrics. It’s a new chapter for The Kooks and one that will see them delve into fresh, Sci-fi, EDM-influenced territory.
Choir chants and rhythmic claps begin the groovy ‘Bad Habit’ whilst distorted guitars and slick solos bring the ballad ‘Always Where I Need to Be’ to a close. If there’s one track, we can rely on hearing at a Kooks show though it’s the irreplaceable ‘Naïve’. Still adored by fans this debut appears to be picking up new generational followings and if tonight’s show is anything to go by The Kooks are still able to knock out the coming-of-age angst.