The Kooks: 'We nearly split up'

The Kooks have revealed that they nearly split up following a series of arguments last year. The group admitted that they were forced to take a break after bassist Max Rafferty quit the group amid rumours of a bust-up with the other members. "It got a bit much and we had to make a few changes. We were falling out a lot so it wasn't the most creative time. But now I feel we're writing the best music we've ever done," confirms singer Luke Pritchard.

The Brighton band later recruited new bassist Peter Denton and are currently working on a "happy" record, due out this summer. "I just wanna make a f**king happy record, one that makes you feel good in the summer, for gigs like this," he said.

"The new songs are very groovy as well. They might surprise a few people."