Twenty years have passed since The Kooks unleashed their debut album,Inside In/Inside Out, a record that catapulted them into the heart of the UK’s vibrant music scene. Frontman Luke Pritchard isn’t dwelling on the past, however; he’s looking ahead with a palpable sense of creative energy.
The band recently capped off a remarkable 2025, marked by their seventh studio album,Never/Know, a triumphant arena tour culminating at London’s O2, and a memorable performance on Jools’ Annual Hootenanny. Yet, Pritchard feels a renewed drive as 2026 begins, a feeling that fuels their current songwriting process.
“I’m so excited for this year,” Pritchard shared, reflecting on the band’s momentum. “We’ve just started writing the new album and feel really confident in our ability to create the best record we’ve ever made. It’s the primary focus, and it’s a challenge we embrace.”
Pritchard, attending a photo exhibition dedicated to The Cure in London, noted a shift in the cultural landscape. While nostalgia for the mid-2000s is currently sweeping social media, the atmosphere surrounding the emergence of The Kooks – alongside bands like Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, and Kaiser Chiefs – was distinctly different.
“That era was about a certain decadence, exploring darker themes inspired by the 60s and 70s,” he explained, accompanied by his wife and musical partner, Ellie Rose. “Now, there’s a pull towards brighter inspirations, a contrast to the instability of the world around us.”
Looking back onInside In/Inside Out, Pritchard recognizes its enduring impact. “To have one album like that in a lifetime is pretty amazing. I can appreciate it for what it is now, in a way we couldn’t then.”
He recalls the unusual circumstances surrounding the album’s creation. “We weren’t even friends when we made it! We’d only known each other for a few months, which is crazy. That record truly defined a period of my life, and I’m still incredibly proud of it – and hopefully, it still sounds good live, especially now that we’re a little less…enthusiastic.”
The Kooks are set to perform at the Isle of Wight Festival in June, sharing the stage with musical icons like The Cure, Calvin Harris, and Lewis Capaldi. For Pritchard, the festival holds a special significance. “The Isle of Wight is the best festival in the world, for me. It was the first festival I ever snuck out to, at sixteen, with my best mate. I have such brilliant memories there, and now to be playing with The Cure…it’s incredible.”
He added, with a touch of wistful reflection, “I still feel like we have a lot to say. After twenty years, I truly believe this is our time.”
