THE KOOKS | LIVE REVIEW
Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, Sun 26 Nov
English pop rock band The Kooks proved that after 10 years they’ve still got it, with their show at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff. The show is one date of many on their The Best Of… So Far tour, the name aligned with a recently released album to mark their success over the past decade.
With a youthful, eclectic crowd filling up the arena, liveliness was on the cards. Supporting the band were rock group DMA’s, who eased the audience in slowly for the headliners’ huge entrance. With a sound that’s been compared to Oasis, they were certainly appreciated, noticeably by the older members of the crowd who were able to hear the resemblance.
The Kooks arrive on stage encompassed by a mysterious yellow haze and smiles all round. There’s a walkway and screens to either side of the stage, displaying the action in creative mirror-like effects, a three-way split view and dramatic red colouring – while the walkway isn’t used as much as anticipated, although Kooks frontman Luke Pritchard takes one opportunity to reach out to the fans by touching their waving, outstretched hands.
An emotional rendition of See Me Now resulted in a hum of conversation, the sound of a crowd who can relate, respect and look up to Pritchard’s brave words about the father he lost. Although the sound of the piano punctuated the upbeat atmosphere that the band are so well known for, it was certainly worth it for Pritchard’s moment of expression. The crowd had no problem bringing back the energy and enthusiasm for one of the band’s most loved songs, She Moves In Her Own Way.
With the opening riff of Naïve ringing out, the arena is alight with phones recording the last – and possibly best – song of the night. “I wish they’d played Naïve, like, three times!” exclaims a very over-excited fan.
With a setlist of 21 songs, The Kooks brought all the right material necessary to showcase who they are as a band and what they’ve worked hard to achieve over the past decade. The crowd dispersed in high spirits, sharing the success of the night on social media with their friends.
words and photos AMY FARRER