If not for frontman Luke Pritchard’s recognisable vocals, it would be almost impossible to tell that ‘Forgive and Forget’ is the most recent single from alt-rockers The Kooks. Although they are no strangers to musical experimentation, this song from the forthcoming album Listen, due for release in early September, proves that they have taken a new direction entirely.
The days of music based on acoustic guitars and simplicity seem far behind this British four-piece. Combined with their recent singles ‘Down’ and ‘Around Town’, ‘Forgive and Forget’ sets Listen up to be a genre-defying, eclectic mix of fresh material. Overflowing with good vibes, this tune has roots in both hip-hop and pop, yet the sultry bass lines give it just enough funk to keep it interesting.
Despite their fresh approach, The Kooks’ undeniable love of choppy guitar riffs still surfaces throughout the song, accompanied by ever-enthusiastic backing vocals and a healthy dose of hand-clapping. However, the positivity radiating from this tune almost pushes it into the realm of radio station overkill, which seems out of character for The Kooks. After tearing up the alternative scene for over a decade, the new album is a substantial change for the band. Either you’ll love their new groove, or you’ll wish you never heard it.
