The Kooks’ first disc, “Inside In/Inside Out,” was full of fun yet generic guitar-rock saved by lead singer Luke Pritchard’s high-pitched bravado. While the album had a distinct feel as a whole, the tracks tended to blend, leaving something to be desired. The band’s new effort, “Konk,” fuses Brit-rock energy with a ’60s pop flair. The much-matured sound of this LP shies away from any notion of a sophomore slump.

The band formed back in 2004, when the four were students in Brighton, England. They decided to channel influences from the Police, the Strokes and Funkadelic into a rousing indie-rock sound all their own.

The entire album functions as a night-out soundtrack. Each track on the disc has a distinctive feel that will keep listeners engaged and wanting to hear what comes next. The album flows from loud rock jams to soft acoustic ballads.

“Konk” opens with “See the Sun,” which begins with Pritchard luring in listeners with soft vocals. The band chimes in with ’60s pop claps and a powerful, swaying guitar line.

Lead guitarist Hugh Harris sets the album apart from “Inside In/Inside Out.” He defines the gem “Mr. Maker” with a combination of soft acoustic guitars and an electric guitar line to keep the song flowing.

The group injects heartbreak into its ballads on tracks like “Love It All,” “Sway” and “One Last Time.” “Love It All” and “Sway” showcase Pritchard’s pained vocals. “One Last Time,” the softest track on the disc, shines with soft drums and honest, dejected lyrics.

Not wanting to make a completely powerful rock album, the boys bring an acoustic sensibility to the final tracks of the disc, such as the soulful “Tick of Time,” which uses a stomp beat and echoing vocals. “All Over Town,” is beautifully soft with acoustic guitars and a fading trumpet line that serves as a close to The Kooks’ night on the town.

While tracks “Always Where I Need to Be” and “Stormy Weather” show less diversity than the other songs, they do not lack passion. Both tracks have danceable beats that are playful and bubbly. They simply seem more like the constant pulse of the less-inspired “Inside In/Inside Out” and are the least memorable.

Overall, The Kooks have pulled off a disc that shows how much they have grown since their debut release. The uniqueness of the tracks and the skill of the young musicians are definitely worth a listen. Pritchard and gang set out to create a bigger sound than their first disc, and they have succeeded. “Konk” will assuredly keep rockers dancing late into the summer night.

"Konk" by The Kooks received three out of four stars.