Grade: A | Genre: Brit Rock
Summary: The Kooks debut, Inside In Inside Out is a fun record by a fun band with a fun name. They're punk with modern rock flare who don't have to hope that their music will be adored by the in-the-know masses because it just will.

Named after the 5th track on David Bowie's Hunky Dory, The Kooks are the latest and probably the most promising new Brit rock band to come out since Bloc Party. A "skuzzy fresh faced group" (so they like to describe themselves), this foursome are a highly energetic unit full of thrills and youthful vigor. Listening to these lads, you feel a sense of rejuvenation and empowered youth, and you're proud that you're still cool enough to have heard of a band that most have not.

Inside In [and] Inside out, The Kooks have a debut that brightens an English scene full of mopey rock stars with tissue paper stuffed down their jocks. Lighten up Chris Martin because Luke Pritchard (vocal, guitars), Hugh Harris (lead guitar), Max Rafferty (bass guitar), and Paul Garred (drums) are bringing it with their mix of alt rock sprinkled over punk-ish bravado.