The Kooks are a British rock band formed in Brighton, East Sussex, in 2004 by singer-guitarist Luke Pritchard, guitarist Hugh Harris, bassist Max Rafferty and drummer Paul Garred. A self-described “pop” band, their music is primarily influenced by the 1960s British Invasion movement and post-punk revival of the new millennium.

Signed to Virgin Records just three months after forming, The Kooks broke into the musical mainstream with their 2006 debut album Inside In/Inside Out. The album was ultimately successful, achieving quadruple platinum status in the UK within a year and also overseas in the form of a platinum certification in Australia and two times platinum in Ireland. The Kooks found themselves entering into mainstream media attention, with the band winning the award for Best UK & Ireland Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2006 and picking up a nomination at The Brit Awards for the single “She Moves in Her Own Way”.

With their 2008 follow-up Konk debuting at number one on the UK Albums Chart, it recorded first week sales of 65,000, achieving gold status in both the UK and Ireland.

But tensions with Rafferty led to the bassist’s dismissal after the album’s recording was completed. Dan Logan was brought in to play bass on the Konk deluxe edition bonus disc RAK, and on initial touring and promotional duties for the album. The band eventually settled on Pete Denton – who had previously subbed for Rafferty while touring the first album – as permanent bassist.

Meanwhile, nerve damage in drummer Garred’s arm meant he had to be replaced on tour and in the studio by Chris Prendergast. After initial recording sessions were scrapped, Garred returned and managed to record The Kooks' third studio album, entitled Junk of the Heart, which was released on 12 September 2011. But after initial promotional appearances, Garred permanently left the band in November 2011. The Kooks eventually recruited former Golden Silvers member Alexis Nuñez as their new drummer.

Their fourth album, Listen, was released in 2014 and featured the involvement of Inflo as co-writer and producer.

The Best of… So Far, a greatest hits compilation featuring two new tracks, was released in 2017. The Kooks' fifth album, Let’s Go Sunshine, followed on August 31, 2018.