English indie rock band The Kooks set Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater on fire on Friday, February 15. Dating all the way back to 2004, The Kooks originally assembled in Brighton, England, and quickly made strides, signing their first record deal a mere four months after forming. Since then, the band has published five acclaimed albums, released 15 singles and produced 15 music videos throughout the years.

As of late, band members in The Kooks include Luke Pritchard (vocals, guitar), Hugh Harris (guitar), Peter Denton (bass) and Nick Millard (drums, currently filling in for original drummist Paul Garred who recently sustained an arm injury).

The evening at Stubb’s kicked off with openers FUTURE FEAT and Barns Courtney (whose recap and photo gallery will follow soon!), and I can truthfully say that I hadn’t seen Stubb’s SO jam packed in quite some time, which is always a good indication that a great show is to come.

Luke strolled on stage with a charming smile and bow to the audience, and I (among many others, I’m sure) unavoidably fell under his spell. God, I can’t help but swoon over an adorable British accent accompanied by infectious dance moves. Anyone else with me?

Immediately getting into the groove, the band seamlessly delivered hit after hit that brought smiles to everyone’s faces. You could feel the whole venue shaking from the energy on stage and upbeat vibes. Being a fan since their early days (shout out to “The OC” for introducing me to them), I must admit I prefer their older tunes over their newest album “Let’s Go Sunshine,” but the setlist had a good mix of new and old for everyone to enjoy. Songs in the full setlist included the following (those bold with links are my personal favorites):
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Eddie’s Gun
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Always Where I Need to Be
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Sofa Song
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Four Leaf Clover
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You Don’t Love Me
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All the Time
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Chicken Bone
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Westside
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Pamela
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Fractured and Dazed
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Do You Wanna
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No Pressure
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For more information on The Kooks and where to catch their next show visit https://thekooks.com/, and be sure to follow our other music shenanigans, articles, and photo galleries here!
Leigh is a native Texan gone temporary New Yorker and now proud Austinite. Passions include but are not limited to music (both as a spectator and dabbler), traveling & cultural adventures, film & television, true crime, design (of the fashion, interior, and graphic sorts), and photographing & writing about all the aforementioned. Self-acclaimed coffee connoisseur & wino, cat aficionado, book worm, and nature junkie.