The Kooks

This is the British band’s third full-length record, and aside from a heavier pop-influence, it doesn’t stray too far from what they’ve been doing since 2006. Tasteful guitar licks, catchy acoustic patterns and crisp, snappy vocals are a staple in The Kooks’ delivery. Incredibly tight and unified bass and drum work keep every song interesting but that’s often overshadowed by in-the-way synthesizer effects. Yeah, the synth has its place and works for a band such as The Kooks, but on some songs it reeks of cheese. This record could definitely be found on a 14-year-old girl’s iPod. That said, it’s still a great rock album by today’s standards, especially after a few listens.