Having already positioned 2008’s Konk as their “mainstream bid,” these Britpop traditionalists return with a rather-quite-poppier follow-up that may be both their best and blandest yet. As previous attempts at laddish charm like “Jackie Big Tits” have proven, wit lies outside the Kooks’ still-youthfully greasy grasp. The middle of the road was always their destiny, it seems, and they arrive with blatantly pleasant but character-free ditties to accompany you while shopping for a smart new Ben Sherman shirt, though those ditties likely will be forgotten the moment ?you exit the store.
