[Friday 18th April] British indie favourites The Kooks release their brand new single, ‘Compass Will Fracture’ ahead of their seventh studio album ‘Never/Know’ out on 9th May via Virgin Music Group.
The psychedelic-leaning track was inspired by frontman Luke Pritchard’s observation on modern day society (listen HERE). Speaking about the song’s lyrics, he said “It’s about the times we live in now… how sometimes things can feel backward. There’s so much confusion circling around… like a compass that’s pointing all over the place.”
He added, “No one knows what’s right or wrong; what’s moral, what’s not moral. The kids can get so caught up in that - there’s pressure to get it right.”
The track’s driving, heavy verse offsets an ethereal hook in which Pritchard asks, “Where did I find my mind this time/ It was written in the books I read, that no one really knows what love is." The track builds into a surge of distorted guitars, showcasing a live energy to the album. Speaking about the recording process, Pritchard said, “It was quite a special moment… We did it all live - there was something spooky about it.”
The Kooks released ‘Sunny Baby’ in March. The single was included in The Times Best New Songs roundup, where it was cited as “A riff and hook perfect [track] for the start of Spring.”
On Wednesday, it was announced The Kooks will embark on a UK arena tour in October of this year. The ‘Never/Know’ tour will see them play their biggest UK headline show to date at London’s The O2.
In January, The Kooks announced their seventh studio album, ‘Never/Know’, with a throwback Indie Club Night at Notting Hill Arts Club, for a select number of fans and friends. The album is set for release on 9th May through Virgin Music Group. The band kicked off their campaign in style with first single ‘Never Know’ being selected as Radio X’s ‘Record of the Week’. The single also received rotation on BBC Radio 1, 6Music, and Jo Whiley’s show on BBC Radio 2.
In their album feature, 1883 said, “The Kooks have cemented themselves as a key part of the UK musical landscape.”
About The Kooks
The Kooks, whose 2006 debut sold over 2 million copies, have unexpectedly found themselves beloved by a new generation. While their original fans remain, they’ve layered on a fervent Gen Z following, headlining festivals and selling out shows worldwide. Social media has made them a generations’ new favourite band again, introducing their unmistakable Brit-pop joy to fresh ears. Their debut was a defining moment for indie music in the 2000s, their first releases set the sound of a moment in time. There are few songs as defining of the 2000s as ‘Naïve’, but the band were never a one-hit wonder - their follow-up record, Konk, hit number one as one of four top 10 albums. The Kooks never stopped evolving, transitioning from indie rock to synthpop and krautrock influences. Over time, they’ve integrated wide-ranging inspirations—Harris' love of soul and opera, alongside Pritchard’s classic influences like Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones.
Never/Know is out 9th May via Virgin Music Group, the band’s new global distribution partner.