The Kinks May Release New Material & Have A Reunion, According to Ray Davies, Although Nothing is Quite a Given Yet

The Kinks were one of the original "British Invasion" bands that at least partially took over the rock music scene back in the 1960's. Much like the other bands on the list, they created innovative music that proved influential. Some even credit them for introducing the first real punk sound. 

Some huge rock acts were greatly influenced by them. That includes the Pretenders, the Romantics, and Van Halen, who famously covered one of their songs, "You Really Got Me."

Unfortunately, despite being one of the biggest of the British Invasion bands, the Kinks had an unstable history. The two Davies brothers really could not get along, and seemed at each other's throats at times. They were able to put their differences aside and reunify here and there. Unfortunately, they were not able to keep it up. So while other "British Invasion" acts like the Rolling Stones and the Who, for example, managed to stay together, the Kinks seemed to go their separate ways.

Of course, there was always speculation that the band might get back together. While other "British Invasion" bands had their 50th anniversary tours, however, the Kinks were unfortunately not able to put their differences aside and reunite to make this a reality. 

However, there may be some hope, even though it is, admittedly, a bit tentative. Even Ray Davies suggests that such a prospect is “in the lap of the gods.” 

Right now, according to Ray Davies, the Kinks have enough material for 20 new songs. That feels like at least one full album, and possibly even a second album, or at least a double album. It's a lot of songs, in other words. A lot of new material that we have not heard before. And that is exciting for fans of the Kinks.

Yet, the release of these songs is not necessarily a given at this point. It still needs to actually go through the process, which is not definitive. And there may be more. Davies still wants to work on some new material, although there is still uncertainty surrounding whether or not he could complete this:

“Well, it got shelved because of… other issues,” he revealed when asked for an update. “But there’s still material there. When I get time.”

Will we see some new material from the Kinks released in the relatively near future?

Time will tell.

The Kinks have enough material for “about 20” new songs, says Ray Davies Hopes of a full reunion, however, remain “in the lap of the gods”  By Liberty Dunworth 14th November 2023

https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-kinks-have-enough-material-for-about-20-new-songs-says-ray-davies-3538630?fbclid=IwAR1lT022upZR3bGFEQc_nGTUVbXQWgmnSxEiChyZ3sDEj8fyrhymYeabFZw