SPILL NEW MUSIC: THE KOOKS DROP ETHEREAL SINGLE “COMPASS WILL FRACTURE” AHEAD OF NEW ALBUM ‘NEVER/KNOW’ OUT MAY 9 VIA VIRGIN MUSIC GROUP

THE KOOKS DROP ETHEREAL SINGLE “COMPASS WILL FRACTURE” AHEAD OF NEW ALBUM NEVER/KNOW OUT MAY 9

VIRGIN MUSIC GROUP

British indie favourites The Kooks release their brand new single, “Compass Will Fracture” ahead of their seventh studio album Never/Know out on 9th May via Virgin Music Group.

The psychedelic-leaning track was inspired by frontman Luke Pritchard’s observation on modern day society (listen below or HERE).  Speaking about the song’s lyrics, he said “It’s about the times we live in now… how sometimes things can feel backward. There’s so much confusion circling around… like a compass that’s pointing all over the place.”

He added, “No one knows what’s right or wrong; what’s moral, what’s not moral. The kids can get so caught up in that – there’s pressure to get it right.”

The track’s driving, heavy verse offsets an ethereal hook in which Pritchard asks, “Where did I find my mind this time/ It was written in the books I read, that no one really knows what love is.” The track builds into a surge of distorted guitars, showcasing a live energy to the album. Speaking about the recording process, Pritchard said,  “It was quite a special moment… We did it all live – there was something spooky about it.”

The Kooks released “Sunny Baby” in March. The single was included in The Times Best New Songs roundup, where it was cited as “A riff and hook perfect [track] for the start of Spring.”

On Wednesday, it was announced The Kooks will embark on a UK arena tour in October of this year. The Never/Know tour will see them play their biggest UK headline show to date at London’s The O2.

In January, The Kooks announced their seventh studio album, Never/Know, with a throwback Indie Club Night at Notting Hill Arts Club, for a select number of fans and friends. The album is set for release on 9th May through Virgin Music Group. The band kicked off their campaign in style with first single “Never Know” being selected as Radio X’s ‘Record of the Week’. The single also received rotation on BBC Radio 1, 6Music, and Jo Whiley’s show on BBC Radio 2.

In their album feature, 1883 said, “The Kooks have cemented themselves as a key part of the UK musical landscape.”

Pre-order Never/Know HERE.

The Kooks
Never/Know
(Virgin Music Group)
Release Date: May 9, 2025

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