With two members of The Kooks having just turned seventeen, it’s no surprise to learn that it was The Strokes ‘Reptilia’ that first inspired them to form a band. That they were signed by Virgin following their debut gig only adds to the sense of anticipation. As it transpires, Inside In/ Inside Out is no classic, but it does include some fine moments, and the group’s apparent willingness to experiment indicates that there may be better things ahead on albums two and three.
There are musically mature moments (‘Naïve’, ‘I Want You Back’ and the ska tinged ‘Match Box’). But producer Tony Hoffer also captures the energy and sense of abandon which is clearly a product of their age. Singles ‘Sofa Song’, quirky rocker ‘Eddies Gun’ and punk stomper ‘You Don’t Love Me’ suggest comparisons to Supergrass’s I Should Coco, but The Kooks are no one trick ponies. When they’re at their best, the Brighton bunch lean towards The Coral and The Zutons: ‘Ooh La’, ‘Jackie Big Tits’ and the breezy acoustic ‘She Moves In Her Own Way’ are all stamped with the beat, shuffle and humour of Merseyside.
Unsurprisingly, there’s a naivety to singer Luke Pritchard’s lyrics, and when they fall back on cliche musically (the poor Britpop of ‘Time Awaits’ or ‘See The World’) there’s a real sense of heard-it-all-before. Nonetheless Inside In/ Inside Out reveals enough quality to keep expectations raised for album number two.