Album Review: The K’s – I Wonder if the World Knows?

Sometimes you can tell a band is reaching for that next level, looking to prove that they have the songs that will reach for the rafters and sound great in stadiums. On British rockers The K’s new album I Wonder if the World Knows?, it’s clear they want the world to know that they are ready for the upgrade. This is an album filled with big, bombastic songs that are pure hooks, with lyrical nuggets that once you catch them, they’re impossible to let go of.

First single “Heart On My Sleeve” is a perfect encapsulation of what the band is going for. The guitars soar sky-high, the drums are huge, and yet the song deals with relatable issues; trying to remain cool and appear steady despite hurting. It’s a break-up anthem for anyone who doesn’t want the world to know they’re in pain following the break-up (“I put on my jacket to cover the heart on my sleeve”). Coming out last November, I still find the song getting stuck in my head, which is always a good sign to me.

And there are so many songs on here just as good. “Chancer” is a very British anthem lyrically (“She reckons I’m a chancer, all my questions go unanswered”) but its catchiness and the panache in the vocals connect despite any country-specific language. “Landmines” explodes with exciting energy and tongue-twisting lyrics, though also ventures into haunting melodies halfway through. And then there’s second single “No Place Like Home”, which is a straight-up rocker with an extra bit of edge.

While I’ll admit having so many songs like these, they can blend together a bit when taken together, but the band does throw in some slower burners to break-up the euphoria. There’s the introspective piano ballad “Lights Go Down”, that incorporates orchestral elements to fill out the space. Opener “Icarus” also adds a bit of fancy to the band’s mostly grounded sound, bringing in violins and cello before blasting into heavenly adrenaline. The K’s also show-off a gentleness on the acoustic “Hoping Maybe”, with vulnerable moments “I’m all alone, I’ve got no battery on my phone, and I was hoping you could help me find my way home?” touching upon loneliness and desperation.

These tracks are vital, as otherwise the sugar-rush provided by the rest of the album would be overwhelming. I’m hoping the band can make it to the states to tour behind this opus, as these are songs meant to be heard in a full room with a crowd joining in. They’re big, bold and unapologetically pop-glazed rockers.

The full album is out April 5th, on Lab Records. Stream the pre-released singles here!