The Kooks, Liam Fray, Blossoms & more to play Viola Beach tribute gig

The Coral, Blossoms, Liam Fray and The Kooks are set to perform at a concert paying tribute to Viola Beach and their manager, who died in a car crash in Sweden last month.
 

In April, BBC Radio 1's Phil Taggart will host a concert in the band's memory in their hometown of Warrington. The Coral, Liam Fray, The Kooks, Blossoms, Eliza & The bear and Hidden Charms are set to perform.

The Viola Beach tribute gig takes place at Parr Hall in Warrington on 2 April. Tickets - the proceeds from which will be given to the band's families - have sold out.

The Kooks to reissue "Inside In/Inside Out" LP

The Kooks début album "Inside In Inside Out" was released 10 years ago in 2006, and when it was released on vinyl it was only ever released as a 2LP (album + live performance). To celebrate this anniversary, the band are proud to re-release ‘Inside In Inside Out", and for the first time as a 1LP studio album version.

Re-live the magic below!

The Kooks - by Oliver Schweers

[LISTEN] The Kooks - Creatures Of Habit

The Kooks tonight (13/10) have dropped a brand new track, simply out of the blue! "Creatures of Habit" sounds like what Tame Impala would sound like if they turned the tempo up and with a dash if pop. And no wonder as this song was produced by Isom Innis of Foster The People.

The photo was taken by Ollie Schweers

Listen / [SOUNDCLOUD]

Girl Friend announced as The Kooks opening act on tour

Now working with 13 Artists Girl Friend set out on tour supporting The Kooks in two weeks, and a 14 date headline tour in April  in support of an EP they're planning for end of April. All of this comes just a week after the band released a brand new - and electrifying track - "Monte Carlo".

Girl Friend Live UK Dates:
February
21st - The Castle, Manchestr
27th - Olympia Theatre, Dublin (w/ The Kooks)
28th -  Olympia Theatre, Dublin (w/ The Kooks)
March
1st - Mandela Hall, Belfast (w/ The Kooks)
2nd -  O2 Academy, Glasgow (w/ The Kooks)

Listen / [SOUNDCLOUD]

Gig Review… The Kooks @ Tonhalle, Munich, 3rd Feburary 2015

It has been nine years since their first record “Inside In/Inside out” was published. Now, after quadruple platinum status in the UK, The Kooks are back in Germany to introduce us to their new album “Listen”. In June 2014 The Kooks came over to Germany for three concerts which were sold out within seconds.
Now – on their European Tour - The Kooks returned to play at Munich’s Tonhalle. The concert was again sold out and about 2000 people packed the hall. British lads The Amazons supported The Kooks and nailed it with rocking uncensored sounds, really heating up the audience.

The Kooks started their gig with “Around town”, the opening track from their latest album. It took just seconds to get the crowd into those new catchy soul-beats. You could not only hear but also see the change from an indie-rock band to a more R&B and dance-sound band. Still, the four Brits carried an infectious energy with their new material. You couldn’t help but dance your ass off with the new tracks from the record forming the heart of their show and delighting the audience.

Some of the changes can be attributed to the new drummer Alexis Nunez from the “Golden Silvers”, who adds some edgy drums and rhythm. But The Kooks owe most of their new R&B-sound on the record to their hip-hop producer Inflo.

Jumping between new and old songs, the band was supported by a beautiful light show superimposing their shadows or running foxes. I'm not sure why a fox was chosen. Possibly because a fox stands for ingenuity and wisdom? Or because of his superiority to the wolf and his remarkable growth process? In any event, the colourful lightshow suited their mixed set-list. From the track „Down“, with Luke Pritchard displaying his talent for heavy guitar-riffs, to „She moves in her own way“ where Pritchard dance-moves infected the whole audience - the show had it all. The band found a perfect mix of new and old tracks, promoting their new sound and their growth, but also celebrating their old hits. Not even their funny song “Eddie's gun” was missing - a fun song, in which a young Luke deals with his erection problems. They also insisted on playing a brilliant acoustic version of their new track ”Dreams”.

With the pronouncement “We’re going funky now”, Pritchard rung in “Tick of time”, “Westside” and “Always where I need to be” to finish the main set.

After a minute's pause Luke sat down at the piano and played a beautifully calm version of “See me now”. The band closed their concert with “Happy” and the all time favourite “Naïve”, leaving a happy, wired and dancing crowd behind. The Kooks managed to carry us back into teenage-times but also showed what they have learned and how they have grown over the years.

All in all it was another great show and the four lads proved themselves as lifeblood musicians. After ten years The Kooks are still a band that can blow you away! Undergoing various changes, the band’s success is well deserved. There is a reason why their shows are always sold out. And they demonstrate this time and time again.

Gig review by Judith Müller

The Kooks reveal "Bad Habit" remix by Parade of Lights

Ever wondered what The Kooks would sound like if they went EDM? Wekk thanks to Parade Of Lights, you now know, and really, as soon as the vocals pop in it's not actually half bad! Hence why I'm posting this.

If you want to make a great 'Indie' playlist for clubs, pop this banger in!

Listen / [SOUNDCLOUD]

10 Things We Learned At Bestival 2014

Festival-goers flocked in their thousands this weekend to witness the whacky world of Isle of Wight's very own Bestival; curated by Rob and Josie Da Bank. Year by year the festival has grown whilst bringing a hugely diverse mix of people together to celebrate.

Basement Jaxx can still throw one hell of a party

Coming on stage at 00:30 on the Saturday night, Basement Jaxx raised the bar high with a full on party spirit. Opening with 'Good Luck', the hit parade blended beautifully with the new house-influenced album 'Junto'... they even brought big robots out as demonstrated from their 2009 gig at London O2 Arena.



Glass Animals are on to something big

Bringing their swagger-tinged alternative indie to the Invaders of the Future stage, the crowd were fuelled with anticipation on the Thursday evening... even after a thirty minute delay to their arrival. Keep a close eye on these Oxford lads.



Bestival wouldn't be the same without Sink The Pink

Dubbed as 'East London's most outrageous trannies and club kids', it's practically impossible to miss Sink The Pink pop up in so many sets. It's almost a Bestival tradition to have them. If you're trashed, head over to the Grand Palace of Entertainment to be inspired in your drunken stupor.



The 'Listerine' tent was 2014's underdog

Leaving Clean Bandit and stumbling across the Listerine tent was the best action I made on the Sunday afternoon. With Bondax dropping some classic tracks in a small shed, the compact crowd was greeted with an ongoing paint party like that of a holi festival. Who would've thought mouthwash could be so much fun!?



Rob Da Bank is an official Guiness World Record holder

The hit maker that is Nile Rodgers challenged Bestival to break the world record for the biggest disco ball in the world, which at the time stood at just under ten metres. Of course Rob Da Bank took up this offer and smashed the record with 10.33 metres and 2,500 mirrored tiles! Lifted during Chic's incredible Sunday headline set, a firework display accompanied the disco ball as it took it's first spins.



Prince is perfect for 2015

If there's one guy to up the stakes it's gotta be the god that is Prince. With a new album out soon and an alleged fallout with Glastonbury's organisers, could he take Purple Rain to the Isle of Wight? In the past Bestival has hosted megastars such as Elton John and Stevie Wonder so why not bring the Raspberry Beret over! I challenge you Rob Da Bank..


Prince - I Wanna Be Your Lover (Official Video) by Prince-Official

The Kooks surprise set let out everyone's inner 2006 indie kid

The crowds were let in for a treat on Saturday when the 'Inside In/Inside Out' creators took to the stage, opening with the first screeches of single 'Down'. The Big Top tent was packed to the brim with audience members rekindling their inner indie kid (I was in Year 6 when Naive came out). It was refreshing to see that the tracks off their new album 'Listen' stood up just as well against older numbers.



Chic are true professionals

Nile Rodgers and co. deserve the maximum level of kudos for their headline set on Sunday. After finding out the great news that Bestival was the official holder of the world's biggest disco ball, Nile informed the audience that his guitar technician of almost nineteen years lost his battle against cancer shortly before the set. Chic said it was one of the hardest shows they've ever played and members of the band at points within the show were visibly welling up but yet to have that level of professionalism and still produce one of the best sets of the festival really deserves a tip of the hat.



Bestival boasts just as diverse a crowd as Glastonbury

Whether you're a full on house-head, a chilled reggae type, an avant-garde polka lover or just an all round music addict, Bestival is the place to be. There's so much on offer I'd be amazed if someone was to get bored at the festival.



Busta Rhymes pulling out sparked ridiculous rumours

Before it was confirmed that DJ Yoda was to replace Busta Rhymes, who pulled out due to false advertisement of a show in London (yeh.. I don't see the logic either), rumours were flying that acts including Dido, Prince, The Magic Numbers, Scouting For Girls, Mark Ronson, Professor Green were to replace him. What a shame.



Make sure you get your tickets in the bag nice and early for next year!

The Kooks announce November UK tour

The Kooks have announced a UK-wide tour to support the release of their brand new album "Listen", which is out September the 1st, and you can listen to SEVEN brand new tracks off the forthcoming LP below too.

Scroll on down to check out where the band will be playing!

Leicester O2 Academy (November 6)
Brighton Dome (7)
Manchester Academy (8)
Newcastle O2 Academy (10)
Aberdeen Music Hall (11)
Leeds O2 Academy (13)
Sheffield O2 Academy (14)
Birmingham O2 Academy (15)
Bristol O2 Academy (17)
Cambridge Corn Exchange (18)
Bournemouth O2 Academy (19)
Norwich UEA (21)
Cardiff University Great Hall (22)

Buy / The Kooks - Listen
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10 Refreshing Acts To See At Reading and Leeds

It's that time of the year again, Reading and Leeds time, and boy hasn't it come round quick? Whilst the inevitable names of Queens Of The Stone Age, Arctic Monkeys and Blink-182 will be the names on most people's lips, it's the other acts which contribute just as much to one of Britain's most loved festivals.

Here's 10 acts you may not have seen yet, or even heard of, who will bring something new to the Reading and Leeds party...


NME/BBC Radio 1 Stage

Royal Blood (Saturday at Reading)
They're probably the hottest band around right now. With a debut album just around the corner, expect a huge crowd and some breath-taking bass playing from this duo. See them inside Reading's most famous tent quick before they start to sell out arenas.

Don Broco (Saturday at Reading)
Last year, Don Broco brought to life the main stage at Reading, with mosh pits and flinging rubber dinghies galore. Their upbeat pop-punk music is unmissable, as are their energetic live shows.

The Kooks  (Sunday at Reading)
Remember them? They're hardly a new talent, but they're sure to bring something extra special to Reading and Leeds this weekend after their surprise set at Glastonbury earlier this summer. Expect some classics and some new material too.

Jungle (Sunday at Reading)
Another duo in the limelight recently, and rightly so. Be prepared for the NME/Radio 1 stage to take off with these two on Tuesday afternoon. Debut, self-titled album 'Jungle' could gather one of the biggest crowds of the weekend, ready for some soulful dance music.

BBC Radio 1 Dance

Flume (Sunday at Reading)
If you like your dance, check this man out. He's headlining the Radio 1 Dance stage on Sunday night and rightly so. Expect a sweaty crowd and remixes which will churn your stomach with bass.

Festival Republic

Bipolar Sunshine (Friday at Reading)
Bipolar Sunshine has been a radio hit recently and hopefully he can bring his summery indie tunes to the fields of Reading and Leeds. He's second down from Palma Violets on the Friday afternoon!

Southern (Friday at Reading)
Southern are the bluesy-folk brother and sister duo of Thom and Lucy Southern. Not only are their live shows a jovial experience but they're also so humble in what they do. They've got an early slot on Friday so there's no excuses not to check them out.

Circa Waves (Saturday at Reading)
For fans of most indie bands ever, the Liverpudlian band have been bringing upbeat, indie-pop tunes to festival stages all summer. Expect a bouncy crowd, singing back lyrics with an atmosphere similar to the days of The Pigeon Detectives and The Wombats.

Saint Raymond (Sunday at Reading)
Saint Raymond can be found in a similar bracket to the recently broken through George Ezra. Whilst Ezra is deep and brooding, Saint Raymond is a light-hearted hit with the ladies and his poppy tunes have been surfing the charts.

BBC Introducing Stage

All We Are (Saturday at Reading)
All We Are are the act to go and see on the BBC Introducing Stage this year. Their music can be compared to the likes of Metronomy and their track, 'Feel Safe', is one of the most under-rated tracks of the year so far!

By Joshua Shreeve (@JJShreeve)

The Kooks unveil new track "Forgive & Forget"

The Kooks have unveiled another new song that's set to feature on their new album "Listen". The new cut is one above the rest, and it's a really fun track to listen to, and no doubt watch them play live!

It's a great time for the band to return if you ask me, the funky guitar riffs in the middle of the song just sell it to you!

Buy / The Kooks - Listen
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5 Reasons Why Glastonbury 2014 Was So Great

Make no mistake, Glastonbury is a very, very special place. 'You haven't experienced a festival until you go to Glastonbury' people had told me. I must admit the first few hours I was skeptical. But by the time your tent's up and your bags are unpacked, you realise that Worthy Farm really is worthy of it's often referred to title as 'the best festival in the world'.

Five days spent in the depths of Somerset is hardly enough time to sum up every nook and cranny of every muddy field, but here's a little insight into the five delights that make Glastonbury so great:

1. The people

As you stroll around the site you’ll soon realise there really isn’t a stereotypical audience that come along to Worthy Farm; Glastonbury welcomes everyone from all walks of life. The one thing they all have in common though is their love for the festival. Everyone's friendly and there’s no argy-bargy when it comes to slipping through the crowds to get near the front of your favourite band.

2. No limits

The TV doesn’t quite do justice to how big the site is. With there being no main area for all the stages, you can take your luke-warm cans of cider anywhere with you, and if you’re lucky enough to get a good camping spot, you may even be able to sit at your camp and enjoy bands from afar. 

3. Secret Sets

Glastonbury holds host to some of the best secret sets going. There may be some leaks along the way, but the crowd aren’t often left unhappy with whoever turns up. Whilst there’s no ‘big acts’ on the Thursday night there are two secret sets; this year being The 1975 and Metronomy. Other ‘to be announced’ slots included Kaiser Chiefs and The Kooks. As for the sets we knew would happen there’s still some surprises in the form of covers; Kasabian, Blondie and Glass Animals were just a few to throw in some interesting covers along the way.

4. After Hours

The Pyramid Stage headliner’s finished and you’re heading for bed? No chance. Glastonbury’s just as alive at night as it is in the day, and if you’ve spent all day seeing bands it’s the perfect chance to explore the rest of the festival. Every bar you walk past is buzzing and Shangri La will take you to another world altogether. If you’re more of the chilled type somewhere like The Stone Circle may tickle your fancy where you can watch the sun rise if you still have the energy.

5. The Food

When it comes to festivals the food isn’t usually the thing people rave about. You usually end up with a dent in your bank account and a sloppy burger in return, however at Glastonbury you pay for what you get. From far away cuisines like peri peri chicken to home bred pasties, the amount on offer is enough to wet your appetite.

But let's not forget, more often than not, with Glastonbury comes one bad thing... mud!

By Joshua Shreeve (@JJShreeve)

The Kooks cover Gorgon City's "Here For You"

The Kooks have covered Gorgon City's great track "Here For You" for BBC Radio 1's live lounge, the rather laid back cover - compared to the original - just shows that the band haven't gone too far of the beaten track with their new material and still have a soft side.

Scroll on down to check it out.

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The Kooks reveal video for new single, "Around Town"

If the The Kooks' hip-hop infused comeback release, 'Down' wasn't enough to convince you that their latest approach is a slightly more daring one than usual, then the brand new video for the bands forthcoming single, 'Around Town' certainly will.

Directed by Ryan Hope, the music video predominantly follows a pair of assassins, whose only apparent requirement in a potential love interest is that they also get a buzz from killing people - in fact it appears to be the very factor that ensures they become far more than just 'work' colleagues.

However, one torture scene down the line and two shagging strangers (who also both get killed - whilst in the middle of 'it') later, we are faced with a climatic ending that sees the female assassin shoot her fellow assassin, and lover in the back of the head. All I can say is, thank God for the parental guidance notification at the start, otherwise The Kook's may have found themselves in some pretty hot water - an exposure to hot water I'm sure Luke Pritchard's curly locks wouldn't have approved of.

The Brighton four-peice also last month announced the details of their eagerly anticipated, fourth album, 'Listen' which will be released on September 1st. In doing so, the band revealed the albums track-listing which is as follows:

'Around Town'
'Forgive & Forget'
'Westside'
'See Me Now'
'It Was London' 
'Bad Habit' 
'Down' 
'Dreams' 
'Are We Electric' 
'Sunrise'
'Sweet Emotion'

Watch the brand new music video for 'Around Town' here:

By George Henry Kingwww.twitter.com/georgehenryking

10 Of The Best Tracks We Heard This Week (Week ending May 10th)

As we always do on the weekend, we have a look back at TEN of  the finest tracks we've heard over the past week. Weather it's covers, originals, live versions or remixes.

 
Arctic Monkeys - Feels Like We Only Go Backwards

Alex Turner took to Australia's airwaves and performed a cover of Tame Impala's "Feels Like We Only Go Backwards" for Triple J's 'Like a version' segment. You can listen to a snippet of an interview and the full song below.




The Away Days - Your Colour

The Istanbul based band have unveiled a brand new track, and just in time for summer too! The track has some lovely light guitar tones that instantly remind us of Foals' second album and warming vocals. The track has it all! ''Your Colour'' will be available digitally from 9th June by Partapart Records.




The Kooks - Bad Habit

The Kooks unveiled a new track that's set to feature on their new album - "Listens" - earlier last week.  "Bad Habit" isn't a Foals cover, so sorry for that one. But it's certainly the best off of their new LP.




Wild Cub - The Mother We Share

Wild Cub - made famous by their "Thunder Clatter" anthem - have covered CHVRCHES' "The Mother We Share", it was released to celebrate Mothers day in America, and you can also grab it as a free download too.




Hawklion - Africa

Hawklion may sound like a mythical creature to some, but to others they're an Indie band from Dublin. One of the finest un-signed bands Ireland has to offer, well for now anyway! After hearing this epic anthem I can see them going further, so pick up a free download of "Africa" now!




MNRS - Costs

MNRS is Berlin/London based Ben Mercer, and he has currently been touring around mainland Europe. The track was produced by by a member of I Heart Sharks as well, so you know this track has got electronics all over it!




Racing Glaciers - First Light

The Macclesfield post-rock outfit has also been confirmed for Radio 1's One Big Weekend where they'll be playing the new EP in full. We're really loving their latest track, and you can listen to it below, with a 'EP Teaser' below that too. Get ready to hear more about them in the coming months!




Jack Burrell - Flowers In Your Hair

We've seen Jack perform live a couple of times and we know that he has a soulful voice, so when he recorded and posted a cover of The Lumineers' "Flowers In Your Hair" we just fell in love with it! It's also a free download, so check it out and fall in love with this sweet voice!




Bear Hands - Peacekeeper (We The Wild Remix)

Bear Hands are releasing their new single "Peacekeeper" shortly and the duo over at We The Wild have re-worked the track into a electronic fest! Certainly one of the best remixes we've heard this year!




Thief - Cry Me A River

This is a previous 'Daily Download' and on the 6th we posted it! Thief has stripped back the verse to a simple bass line and hand clap, leaving room for his vocals to float effortlessly above, before leading into the brass fuelled, punchy chorus.

The Kooks unveil "Bad Habit"

The Kooks' new album is out very soon, and they're doing what I call a 'controlled leak' with the slow release onto the net of songs from the album.

"Bad Habit" isn't a Foals cover, so sorry for that one. But it's certainly the best off of their new LP.

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The Kooks unveil a new album called "Listen"

After delivering a fantastic EP called "Down", the long standing band - The Kooks - have announced a surprise what will be their fourth studio album, is titled "Listen" and we already know the first single titled "Around Town" which you can listen to below.

This album contains 11 cuts and the deluxe version will have 4 more tracks.

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The Kooks reveal the B-side for "Down"

The Kooks are still experimenting with their sound and with their single 'Down' and its B-side named 'Hooray For Henry' one just can't stop wondering how their to-be-released album will sound like.

Give a listen to this "Rolling Stones" riff and share with us what you think about it.
Also, their EP 'Down' will be released on 20th April and you can pre-order it on iTunes.

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Single Review... The Kooks - Down

If you're a follower of Indie-music, at least since the Brighton lads had "their time" in 2005-2011, about then you're pretty right about that they DO sound very different. It's surely this first sentence I had in my mind when I was doing some research through google to find their new single.

And that's exactly the thing I wanna talk about. The Kooks are musicians who are still worth to be considered or to let your interest into the vocals of Luke and the music of the long-haired. You never stop loving them because they gave you very much in your earlier teenage period, on where you danced really stupid or tried to find the tightest jeans.

"Down" sounds like you should go for XXXL though. Absolutely groovey, that's for sure, but definitely not the thing everybody expected. Nice recording and an ace drumsound. Surely beautiful sprinkled with backvox-screams, but that's about it... I really hoped on a "Konk 2" or a rascal rock'n'roll attitude. Now what is it, what the southern guys were thinkin'? Let's hope they give answers on live concerts or future interviews.

This is surely not my kind of taste. Luke, Hugh, Peter & Paul, I'm very sorry to say this, but you need something more to make a more honest groove. We all know you got it. Show us what you got.

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