Since forming in 2001, British four-piece, The Kooks have become one of the UK’s most adored bands. And going by Friday nights sold out performance at the Newport, it’s easy to see why.
The band played 60+ minute set full of feelgood pop-rock laced with 90’s British swagger that was a pleasure to watch. Showcasing fan favourite songs from their past two albums and introducing new songs from the bands newest album, “Junk of the Heart”.
“Always where I need to be” served as the perfect track to get the crowd going and set the bar high for the rest of the show. Mop-topped front man Luke Pritchard energetically bounced around the front of the stage with an almost Jagger like presence.
There were a few tiny dips in the show, mostly with the newer and less familiar songs, but the Kooks have a bucket-full of insanely infectious singalong pop gems to fall back on. “Do you wanna” and “Shine on” were nothing short of pure joy to hear live.
The band ended a three song encore with a rousing version of “Naive,” finishing up an impressive set and putting a huge smile on everyone’s faces.
Hopefully it won’t be another three years before the band make a return to Columbus.