The Kooks

The Kooks are a British indie rock band formed in Brighton in 2004. Founded by Luke Pritchard (vocals, guitar) and Hugh Harris (guitar, synthesizer, bass), with original members Max Rafferty (bass) and Paul Garred (drums), they took their name from David Bowie’s song “Kooks.” The band quickly made a name for themselves with their blend of catchy pop melodies, high energy, and a distinctly British charm. Just three months after forming, they signed with Virgin Records, and their debut album Inside In/Inside Out (2006) catapulted them to fame with hits like “Naive,” “She Moves in Her Own Way,” and “Ooh La.” The album became a multi-platinum success in the UK and internationally. In 2008, Konk debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, followed by Junk of the Heart (2011) and Listen (2014), each maintaining their momentum. After lineup changes, they released Let’s Go Sunshine in 2018, and in 2022 came 10 Tracks to Echo in the Dark, which marked a fresh, youthful reinvention of their sound. Renowned for their irresistible hooks and diverse genre influences—ranging from Britpop and rock to reggae and funk—The Kooks have remained innovative, engaging, and a beloved presence in the British music scene.