Concert: The Kooks
Date: June 4^th, 2008
Venue: The Kool Haus, Toronto 

Reviewed by: Brittney Teasdale (Downtown Toronto Correspondent - Canada) 

The Kooks, an indie rock band from Brighton, England, was formed in 2004. The band currently consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Luke Pritchard, lead guitarist and back-up vocalist Hugh Harris, drummer Paul Garred, and temporary bassist Dan Logan, who replaced former bassist Max Rafferty after a falling out in 2008. The Kooks have released two studio albums, firstly in 2006 with their debut album Inside In/Inside Out, following their second album, Konk, in 2008 peaking at #1 on the UK Albums Chart.

The Kooks put on an amazing show on Wednesday June 4^th at The Kool Haus in Toronto. The four boys have a unique sound which has the ability to make you get up and dance. The lead vocalist, Luke, exhibits a constant surge of energy which is contagious, which the audience is compelled to feed off. Previously, I had seen The Kooks at The Mod Club in Toronto, which was an absolutely outstanding concert. Since the venue was quite small I was able to make my way to the front of the stage and only a couple feet away from the band. The boys sound was big in the little venue so I was interested to see what they could do in a much bigger space at The Kool Haus.

The band conquered. They put on an electrifying show and proved to have definitely grown since their first album. Their new singles, ‘Shine On' and ‘Always Where I Need To Be,' make you want to get up, dance, and loose yourself in the music. Their sound, although unique, can be identified with some of their musical influences such as The Kinks, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Mason Jennings and Jack Johnson. Even if you are not familiar with The Kooks you will not be disappointed at one of their shows. Their first album is stellar and their second is no anti-climax, and in my opinion it trumps the first.  

This is an experience you do not want to miss. If The Kooks come to your hometown and you have the chance to see a show I recommend running out and buying tickets as their shows have been selling out quick. Shine on!