I’ll keep this one short and sweet because I already I’ve already written about the band’s new album. I recently saw The Kooks perform at the Observatory in Santa Ana, CA.

This concert was definitely a memorable one. The set list was a perfect blend of old classics and hit new songs. The opener “Around Town” successfully started out the night with an excited crowd and energetic vibes. The famous “Naive” was played shortly after with the whole audience singing along. Some more favorites were weaved in, such as “She Moves in Her Own Way”, “Seaside”, and “Always Where I Need to Be”, before lead singer Luke Pritchard took to the stage alone. He announced that the band had not yet rehearsed the next song together so he figured he would simply perform alone. It was then that Pritchard infused a bit more emotion into the venue with his ballad, “See Me Now”, addressed to his father who passed away while Pritchard was still young.

Nevertheless, the energy was back once the rest of the band rejoined Pritchard and played “Forgive and Forget”.  Pritchard belted out his lyrics and danced around the stage in a whirlwind of liveliness. “Junk of the Heart” was played next, another classic that had the audience begging for more. But sadly, the show had come to an end, at least for me, who began to worry about making it home on time for curfew. I heard an encore as I was leaving the venue, but my main concerns at that point were the number “12:00” on my phone and how far away I was from home.

Overall, the Kooks sure know how to perform. The energy was radiant and every body in the venue was on their feet, whether they were lifelong fans or first-time listeners.