The Kooks have returned with new album Junk of the Heart, a record that - whilst not ground-breaking - is definitely worth checking out.
It's just about what you'd expect from the indie band, combining catchy melodies with up-beat, accessible music.
Despite feeling a bit predictable, it's actually a wonderfully consistent and tight record, with some nice surprises littered throughout.
Tracks like the smooth 'How'd You Like That' show some maturity and sophistication in The Kooks music.
Of course it's got their usual pop sensibilities, but still a piano-driven, pop-rock ballad done very well.
This isn't a band treading new grounds, but Junk of the Heart will surely put The Kooks back into the public's conscious, and rightly so.
The album is littered with great indie tracks, blending well with infectious pop-rock tunes.
Their acoustic-driven blend of indie-pop works well throughout the album, although the swagger on songs like 'F*** The World Off' feel a little forced.
In a contrast, 'Time Above The Earth' is a beautiful, multi-layered and, dare we say it, epic song, despite lasting less than two minutes.
The strings and production is wonderful, and it provides a nice interlude in the middle of the album.
'Is It Me', a nice blend of indie, electro and Brit-pop, is one of the albums more exciting moments just as it felt like it might begin to drag.
Anyone who wasn't a fan of Luke Pitchard's vocals will most probably find this album just as irritating, but it surprisingly suits the album's more tender moments.
The Kooks may be realising their potential with Junk of the Heart, as they progress and perfect the formula presented on their first two albums.
Whilst not breaking new ground, the album still has enough surprises and strong tracks to be an infectious and consistent pop record.
Female First - Alistair McGeorge
Tagged in The Kooks