February 8, 2008 18:59

The Kooks preview new material at star-studded LA show The Kooks Tickets

The Brighton quartet sell out the Troubadour

The Kooks previewed new material from their forthcoming album for a packed, star-studded house at the Troubadour in Los Angeles last night (February 7).

This was the first of three exclusive US gigs the Brighton band are playing this week to road-test the new material before announcing a larger American tour to support their sophomore album 'Konk'.

The band began their hour-long set with songs from their first album 'Inside In/Inside Out'. They kicked off the night with 'See The World', after which several girls in the front row screamed 'We love you, Luke!'

Frontman Luke Pritchard, dressed In tight black jeans and a flowing white shirt, seemed more comfortable as the evening went on, loosening up mid-set and gyrating on stage like a young Mick Jagger.

"We got in town a few days ago, so thanks for making us feel welcome," Pritchard told the audience, which included Courtney Love and her daughter Frances Bean Cobain, as well as members of The Thrills and The Zutons.

Meanwhile, scalpers touted tickets to the sold-out gig for a small fortune outside the venue.

Cat The Dog bassist Dan Logan filled in on bass for Max Rafferty, who recently left the band.

Later in the evening, The Kooks played new material including the upbeat 'Mr Maker' and the more introspective 'Sway'.

They ended the night with a three-song encore featuring two solo numbers by Pritchard and his acoustic guitar, after which he said, "Let's have it on this one--we've come all the way from England!" before bringing back the band for the rousing 'Sofa Song'.

San Francisco newcomers The Morning Benders kicked off the night with a lively, competent set.

"We've been cooped up in a box (recording) so we're excited to go out and play," Pritchard told NME.COM before the show. "We want to drag everyone back into our music."

The Kooks played:

'Ooh La'
'Time Awaits'
'Mr Maker'
'Love It All'
'I Want You'
'She Moves'
'Do You Wanna'
'Sway'
'Naïve'
'You Don't Love Me'
'Seaside'
'Jackie Big Tits'
'Sofa Song'

The Kooks are set to play a sold-out show at The Echo in Los Angeles tonight (February 8) and at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, New York on February 12.

--By our Los Angeles staff.
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