REVIEW: The Kooks, The Institute Birmingham.

The cheeky Kooks boys were back in Birmingham Friday night, to finish their UK mini-tour with a bang!

The HMV Institute, Digbeth sold out completely for the gig on the 9^th of May, where fans flocked to see the British indie-pop group and get a glimpse of their new material accompanying old favorites.

Opening with their new single ‘Down’ and playing classics such as ‘Sofa Song’ and ‘Seaside’ The Kooks created a playful and energetic vibe, among real rock and acoustic sounds.

After an hour of pure crowd amazement, the boys made a quick exit off stage, leaving behind a rowdy room; stomping feet and fist punches into the air. Fans waited with baited breath as they called for a fantastic encore, which consisted of new song, ‘Junk of the heart (Happy)’ and classic pop-hit ‘Naive’

Kicking off in Glasgow, then hitting Manchester and Camden, before their last gig in Birmingham, The Kooks four-day UK tour promoted new single ‘Down’ and gave fans a taste of their new album, before they perform at Radio 1’s Big Weekend later this month.

Drummer Alexis Nunez, revealed that he ‘could have happily kept on touring the UK as it’s always great fun.’

With their first album, ‘Inside out, Inside in’being hugely successful in 2006, the band have created a new bouncy-percussion and synth sound for their upcoming album.

Produced by lead singer, Luke Pritchard and young pioneer, Inflo, ‘Listen’ will be released in September.

The Kooks high-energy performance along with Luke’s unique vocals made the night unforgettable and a great start to anyone’s weekend. I think it’s fair to say that Birmingham is a fan of The Kooks.

Hannah Deathridge.

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