The Kooks new material seems to be drifting to extremes. While the title track from their new EP Down sounds unbearably derivative of James Brown, the fourth track, “Melody Maker” finds its inspiration in the harmony laden pop of the 1960’s British Invasion.
The intentional low-fi quality of the acoustic guitar sets the demo-esque tone for the track. It is a clever approach to coax the right vibe out of the Kinks influenced songwriting. One song in particular that comes to mind when listening to “Melody Maker” is The Hollies “Bus Stop” with its comparable bouncing melody and perfected harmonies.
The Kooks have always been a definitive UK band, but have never slathered on the retro syrup as thick as this. Above all, it seems to be the distinctly English take on life that allows for such a classifiable sound. With their built-in ear for melody, all the boys had to do was sit down and channel some their forefathers’ riffs.
With the rest of the EP drifting into the realms of funk, garage and Americana, I guess the The Kooks felt it would be only right to pay homage to their homelands history. It just so happens that the songs last-minute, off-the-cuff feeling insures its beauty.
