The Kooks Album Release & Acoustic Tour starting on the 2nd May with dates around the Uk.
Back with a new record that promises to blend the nostalgic indie charm they’re known for with bold new sounds.
The Album Set to drop on May 9th, Never/Know arrives via Virgin Music Group and marks their seventh studio album. It’s not just a return—it’s a renewal. The lead single, also titled Never Know, sets the tone. With bright guitar hooks and a breezy, feel-good tempo, the track captures the band’s knack for writing earworms with emotional depth. According to frontman Luke Pritchard, the song is “about a cute meet with someone unpredictable,” a road-trip anthem built for spontaneous moments. This single alone has already sparked curiosity about the full album’s direction.
With their signature sound intact but polished by years of experience and experimentation, The Kooks seem to be offering listeners both familiarity and surprise.
The Sound of the Album
The Kooks Never/Know Album release signals an evolution. The Kooks are leaning into classic songwriting structures, but adding layered arrangements and contemporary production. From what we’ve heard so far, the record embraces themes of transformation, love, and the inevitable passing of time.
Tracks like “Sunny Baby” evoke the band’s early romanticism, echoing the melodic sensibility of their debut album Inside In/Inside Out. Meanwhile, “Tough At The Top” and “Compass Will Fracture” offer grittier tones, exploring the challenges of self-doubt and ambition with fuzzed-out guitars and driving rhythms.
One of the standout surprises is their cover of Wings’ “Arrow Through Me”. It’s a bold choice that fits seamlessly into the album’s vibe, with Pritchard’s vocals bringing a new depth to McCartney’s soulful original. It’s not just a tribute—it’s a reinterpretation that works.
Overall, Never/Know balances nostalgia with growth. It’s an album made by a band that knows who they are, but isn’t afraid to stretch beyond their comfort zone.
Here is the official tracklist for The Kooks’ upcoming album Never/Know, scheduled for release on May 9, 2025:
- Never Know
- Sunny Baby
- All Over The World
- If They Could Only Know
- China Town
- Compass Will Fracture
- Tough At The Top
- Arrow Through Me
- Echo Chamber
- Let You Go
- Talk About It
Tour Dates & Venues
May 2, 2025 – The Leadmill, Sheffield
May 3, 2025 – The Met, Bury
May 3, 2025 – The Wardrobe, Leeds
May 4, 2025 – Saltbox, Nottingham
May 5, 2025 – Jacaranda Baltic, Liverpool (Early show added)
May 5, 2025 – Jacaranda Baltic, Liverpool (Sold Out)
May 6, 2025 – The Liquid Room, Edinburgh (New date added)
May 7, 2025 – The Leadmill, Sheffield (Additional date)
May 8, 2025 – The Met, Bury (Additional date)
May 9, 2025 – The Wardrobe, Leeds (Additional date)
May 10, 2025 – The Old Fire Station, Bournemouth
May 10, 2025 – The 1865, Southampton
May 13, 2025 – The Fleece, Bristol (Late show added)
May 13, 2025 – The Fleece, Bristol (Sold Out)
May 14, 2025 – HMV Empire, Coventry
Writing and Recording
The Kooks spent time honing Never/Know across sessions in London and Berlin, with frontman Luke Pritchard taking a more introspective approach to songwriting. The time during the pandemic allowed him to explore deeper lyrical themes with more space and clarity.
That maturity is evident in songs like “Let You Go,” which meditates on the emotional complexity of endings, and “If They Could Only Know,” a reflective track that explores miscommunication in relationships. Despite the weight of the themes, the melodies remain vibrant and accessible.
The Kooks 2025 UK Tour
Coinciding with the album release, The Kooks will embark on an Acoustic UK tour.
While the Full live band Uk Tour will be later in October an exciting live experience that captures the energy of Never/Know alongside fan favourites from earlier records.
For a full breakdown of their full band live tour schedule and venues, read our dedicated article on The Kooks’ UK tour. Expect set lists that include both the new material and timeless hits like “Naïve” and “She Moves in Her Own Way.”
As always, tickets will be available through our affiliate partners. Grab yours early through our trusted links to avoid missing out on one of the most anticipated indie tours of the year.
Exclusive Merchandise for Never/Know
To celebrate the new album, The Kooks have released an exclusive range of official Never/Know merchandise. Available for a limited time only, the merch line includes:
- Limited Edition Signed Red Vinyl + tshirt – A collector’s item for true fans, pressed in translucent red and personally signed by the band and a T-shirt.
- Limted Edition Signed red Vinyl – A true collectors item on its own.
- Je ne regrette T-shirt – A special fan shirt, High-quality cotton tees featuring custom artwork
All merchandise is available through our official affiliate links. Purchasing through these links supports both the band and independent music media.
Why This Album Matters
In an age of fleeting streaming hits, The Kooks are proving that albums still matter. Never/Know isn’t just a release—it’s an experience. Each track is thoughtfully written and recorded, reflecting a band that still values the album format as a storytelling vehicle.
It’s easy to see Never/Know becoming a fan favorite, especially among those who’ve grown up with The Kooks since their mid-2000s debut. At the same time, it’s accessible enough to pull in a new generation of listeners drawn to fresh but emotionally resonant indie rock.
The band’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots is part of what makes this record so appealing. They aren’t chasing trends—they’re building on a legacy.
Final Thought
With Never/Know, The Kooks deliver their strongest record in years. From standout singles to unexpected covers, from heartfelt lyrics to polished instrumentation, the album is a full-circle moment for the band and their fans.
Add in the upcoming UK tour and limited-edition merchandise, and Never/Know becomes more than just a listening experience—it’s a cultural moment. Don’t miss the chance to be part of it.
