The K’s – Pretty on the Internet

The K’s Under Licence to LAB

Review By John A Gilman

Just 15 months after their impressive debut album shot to number 3 in the charts, The K’s return with their sophomore effort, Pretty on the Internet. Hailing from Earlestown, this four-piece band have delivered an album that not only matches the raw energy and emotion of their first record, but elevates their sound to new, stadium-sized heights. With a collection of tracks that feel tailor-made for big festival moments and intimate singalongs alike, Pretty on the Internet is a confident, polished, and deeply personal statement that proves The K’s are no flash in the pan.

Balancing blistering indie rock with vulnerable lyricism, the band show they’ve got both the songwriting chops and the emotional depth to go the distance. It’s a record filled with big hooks, anthemic choruses, and enough passion to shake even the most jaded music fan. If their debut was a warning shot, this second album is the real arrival. The K’s are not just here—they’re making themselves impossible to ignore.

Track-by-Track Breakdown:

1. Before I Hit the Floor

The album kicks off with a burst of adrenaline. “Before I Hit the Floor” is a driving, fast-paced opener that sets the tone immediately. Thumping bass and tight, punchy drums lay the groundwork for soaring guitars and a vocal delivery that radiates urgency. It’s the perfect curtain-raiser—explosive, energetic, and full of intent. You can practically hear the crowd going wild in the first chorus.

2. Rat Poison

Keeping the momentum rolling, “Rat Poison” delivers another dose of high-octane indie rock. There’s a bitterness and bite in the lyrics—“filled my veins with rat poison”—that’s contrasted beautifully by the catchy, chantable chorus. The sweeping guitar work and pounding rhythm section make it a live show standout. It’s chaotic and catchy in the best way possible.

3. Breakdown in My Bedroom

This track takes things into more introspective territory without losing any of the energy. There’s an honesty here that hits hard. The lyrics feel personal and direct—touching on themes of isolation, heartbreak, and inner turmoil. It’s a song that fans will latch onto in late-night solitude, a reminder that vulnerability can be just as powerful as noise.

4. The Bends (Here We Go Again)

With another anthemic chorus and a relentless pace, “The Bends” is pure indie gold. Lyrically sharp and emotionally charged, the song tackles the feeling of falling into old patterns. There’s a brilliant middle-eight breakdown that gives the song space to breathe before slamming back into its full-throttle finale. It’s a track that shows off The K’s knack for dynamics and tension.

5. Helen, Oh I

A change of pace arrives here, as the band shifts from indie urgency to a soaring, emotional anthem. “Helen, Oh I” is expansive and heartfelt, showcasing a more melodic and mature side of the band. There’s an almost cinematic quality to the arrangement—guitars shimmer, drums rise and fall like waves. It’s a tearjerker in the making, destined for lighters-in-the-air moments.

6. Picking Up the Pieces

Back to the band’s bread and butter: big riffs, big choruses, and big emotions. “Picking Up the Pieces” is an indie rock masterclass, blending driving percussion and sweeping guitar lines with lyrics that speak to resilience and the struggle to rebuild. It’s a powerful, pulse-raising track that reinforces the band’s consistency and songwriting confidence.

7. Me and Your Sister

A definite standout, this track wears its influences proudly. The Cure-esque bassline and jangly guitar tones give it a distinctive ‘80s feel, while the infectious chorus keeps it firmly rooted in the present. There’s a playful, yet melancholic edge here—think early The Jam meets modern indie-pop. It’s stylish, sharp, and endlessly replayable.

8. 33 Heads

Things slow down here, but there’s no dip in quality. “33 Heads” is haunting and stripped back, starting with a sparse, atmospheric intro that lets the emotion breathe. The lyrics are raw, vulnerable, and beautifully delivered. It’s one of the most affecting moments on the album—a reminder that The K’s don’t need a wall of sound to make a deep impact.

9. Sold It, Own It

A brooding, slow-burning track that brings some darker textures into play. The intro channels early New Order and Siouxsie and the Banshees, with shimmering guitars and a moody, post-punk ambiance. There’s a hypnotic quality here, a song that builds tension rather than exploding. It’s a compelling detour that adds welcome depth and variety.

10. Running Away Now

This song hits home. A deeply personal look at mental health and the struggle to escape overwhelming thoughts, “Running Away Now” is both cathartic and compassionate. The chorus feels like a desperate plea, the verses like an internal monologue. It’s one of the most emotionally resonant tracks on the album, and sure to connect with many listeners on a personal level.

11. Gravestone

Back comes the fire. “Gravestone” is a punchy, no-holds-barred indie banger packed with hook after hook. It’s remarkable how The K’s manage to keep the energy high and the songwriting fresh this deep into the record. Another undeniable chorus and anthemic structure make it feel destined for encore status on their next tour.

12. Perfect Haunting

The album closes on a breathtaking note. “Perfect Haunting” is a stripped-back piano-led ballad, tender and emotionally raw. There’s a simplicity here that’s utterly disarming, allowing the lyrics and vocals to take center stage. It’s the kind of song that stays with you long after the final note fades—a fitting, poignant end to an album filled with heart and soul.

Final Verdict:

Pretty on the Internet is more than just a strong follow-up—it’s a triumph. The K’s have not only avoided the dreaded sophomore slump, they’ve come back swinging with a record that solidifies their place as one of the UK’s most exciting guitar bands. It’s a passionate, confident album full of highs, heartache, and hope. Every song serves a purpose, no moment feels wasted, and the emotional connection is undeniable.

If their debut was a long time coming, this second outing feels like a band fully in their stride. Big stages, headline slots, and a loyal army of fans surely await. I doff my cap once more to the Earlestown lads—this is nothing short of brilliant.

Rating: 9/10