Formed in Brighton in 2004, The Kooks made their mark with their debut album Inside In/Inside Out — a record that spawned classics like Naïve, Seaside and She Moves in Her Own Way. That album alone cemented them as festival favourites, and two decades later, those songs still have the power to send a crowd into full-throttle singalongs.
At Electric Picnic 2025, it was no different. As soon as Luke Pritchard’s unmistakable voice rang out across Stradbally, the nostalgia kicked in. Tens of thousands of festival-goers belted back every word of Naïve like it was the soundtrack to their own coming-of-age.
But this wasn’t just a trip down memory lane. The band, now six albums deep into their career, mixed in newer material too — a reminder that they’re not just living on their legacy, but continuing to evolve. Their energy was infectious, their guitar-driven sound crisp, and their knack for catchy hooks proved why they’ve remained relevant in the ever-changing indie scene.
For younger fans, it was a chance to discover the band their older siblings grew up on. For long-time followers, it was a celebration of how far The Kooks have come while still holding on to that raw, sun-soaked sound that made them famous.
By the time they wrapped their set, The Kooks had turned Stradbally into a massive indie karaoke session — proof that some songs, and some bands, never lose their magic.
