The Kooks return with new album ‘Never/Know’

British Indie-Rock Icons Announce Their First Album in Three Years

Album Out May 9th – Pre-Order Now

First Single “Never Know” – Listen Now

A New Chapter for The Kooks

British indie-rock favourites The Kooks are back, delivering their most accomplished album yet. ‘Never/ Know’ arrives on May 9th via Virgin Music Group, marking a return to their signature anthemic songwriting while embracing fresh influences and timeless sounds.

The first single, Never Know, setting the tone for the record with its irresistible groove and infectious energy. Lyrically, it captures the excitement of an unpredictable romance, its chorus ringing with the mantra: “You never know, never know, never know.”

“It’s a love song about a meet-cute with someone completely unexpected,” says frontman Luke Pritchard. “I like the idea of it playing in a convertible on a road trip somewhere ridiculous. Because really—you never know.”

Reconnecting with the Heart of The Kooks

The 11-track album, self-produced by Pritchard, was born from a desire to rediscover the essence of The Kooks.

“This wasn’t about recreating our first album’s sound,” says Pritchard. “It was about going back to what first inspired us and asking, ‘Who are we at our core?’”

That introspection led to a record that nods to the band’s early magic while exploring bold new directions. From the Motown-inspired rhythms of the title track to the soulful backing vocals on Sunny Baby, ‘Never/Know’ is a celebration of classic songwriting with a modern twist.

A Timeless Band for a New Generation

Though The Kooks helped define indie rock in the 2000s, they’ve never stopped evolving—and their music continues to find new audiences. Today, nearly half of their core listeners are 18-24-year-olds, proving that their songs still resonate across generations. With over seven million monthly listeners on Spotify, their impact remains undeniable.

A Personal, Lyrically Rich Album

Pritchard’s songwriting on ‘Never/Know’ is some of his most heartfelt yet. Packed with sharp one-liners and affectionate nods to loved ones, his lyrics balance playful charm with deep personal meaning.

Musically, the record embraces a wide spectrum of influences. A standout cover of Paul McCartney & Wings’ Arrow Through Me reflects their love for classic songwriting, while the moody closing track Talk About It leans into soulful introspection.

A Collaborative Revival

Initially conceived as a solo project, ‘Never/Know’ quickly became a full-band effort, reigniting the creative partnership between Pritchard and guitarist Hugh Harris.

“At the heart of it, we both want the same thing,” says Harris. “And that’s very powerful.”

‘NEVER/KNOW’ TRACK-LIST

1. Never Know
2. Sunny Baby
3. All Over The World
4. If They Could Only Know
5. China Town
6. Compass Will Fracture
7. Tough At The Top
8. Arrow Through Me
9. Echo Chamber (Produced by J Lloyd)
10. Let You Go
11. Talk About It

ABOUT THE KOOKS

Since their 2006 debut sold over two million copies, The Kooks have remained one of Britain’s most beloved indie-rock bands. While their early hits—like the era-defining Naïve—made them instant icons, their music has never stopped evolving.

From indie rock to synth-pop to krautrock, they’ve continuously expanded their sound, integrating influences from soul, opera, and classic rock. Now, with ‘Never/Know,’ The Kooks prove once again that great songwriting never goes out of style.

Pre-order ‘Never/Know’ now.