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The Kooks, Birmingham Academy
Apr 28 2008 By Richard Jackson
THE Kooks couldn't have got a worse press in recent months if they'd rigged the Zimbabwean elections or gone on stage clutching the Olympic torch every night.
The band have received almost entirely negative reviews for their second album Konk.
Not that it's dented the band's success. Their album rocketed to number one in the charts, and, with touts demanding £75 a ticket outside, there's barely room to breathe in the packed-out and sweaty Academy.
From opening song Always Where I Want to Be, The Kooks keep it short and simple.
It might not stand up to deep inspection, but the formula of catchy three-minute songs about girls has worked pretty well up until now.
New songs Sway and Shine On have got the same effortless charm as fan favourites She Moves In Her Own Way and Naïve.
The Academy crowd almost tore pieces out of lead singer Luke Pritchard when he got close enough to them during the finale Sofa Song.