Michelle Shiers on September 26th, 2014

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Review and photos by Michelle Shiers

Three years since their last release, the Kooks sold out the Wiltern on Thursday night touring behind their surprising fourth album “Listen.” After a couple of lineup changes and a bit of a reinvention, the Kooks have a new record that seems almost unrecognizable compared with the rough-edged Britpop of their first three albums. Influenced by hip-hop producer Inflo, the new songs are heavy with R&B, funk and jazz elements that veer from the Kooks’ popular early sound but also show that the band isn’t afraid to explore refreshing new sonic territory.

They opened with an oldie – “Eddie’s Gun” from their 2006 debut “Inside In/Inside Out,” and the youthful crowd erupted with delight. A large red banner projected the band’s name and gold stage hues highlighted singer Luke Pritchard’s golden guitar. The band then moved into “Around Town,” the first track off their new album, with an animated Pritchard singing “Will you love me when the chips are down?” These fans would say yes.

Older tracks got the greatest audience response, but their new songs still landed
incredibly well. The Stones-ish “It Was London” and poppy “Bad Habit” got the crowd moving with Pritchard’s signature falsetto. One of the most form-defying songs on the new record was also one that packed the most punch live. “Down” could be a hard swallow for many indie-fans with lyrics like “down down diggity down down,” but it ended up being extremely fun – filled with harmonies and quick rhythms that induced dancing and foot-tapping.

The largely female audience exploded in screams that turned into a loud sing-along during older track “She Moves In Her Own Way.” Pritchard has certainly become adored for his skinny-jeaned prancing and characteristic curls. They performed a handful of songs from their sophomore effort “Konk” including “Always Where I Need To Be,” “Sway,” and “See The Sun,” but only one number – the title track – from their third album “Junk Of The Heart.” The hardest dancing of the night came during clap-along track “Forgive and Forget,” proving that the Kooks’ new funky side could still grow on any naysayers.

The Kooks adroitly shuffled new tracks in with old favorites. Pritchard’s charisma and energy as a front man never ceased and the entire band appeared to be totally rejuvenated. The crowd was also thrilled by the more intimate acoustic tracks. For the encore, Pritchard sat at a keyboard telling the audience, “Gonna play our first-ever ballad,” which was “See Me Now,” from the new album. They then closed perfectly with their biggest hit, “Naive” off their debut. The Kooks’ new musical approach has been met with mixed reviews but live, they can still totally kill it. Their new funk and R&B influences show that they are unafraid to re-evaluate themselves and that they will continue to move in their own way.

Portland electro-pop band Priory opened and warmed up a very receptive crowd with their obvious hooks and catchy melodies.