The Kinks

The Kinks were a British rock band formed in 1964 and active until 1996, known for combining raw R&B and garage-rock energy with melodic pop and later more observational, character-driven songwriting. They are associated with a gritty, distorted guitar sound and Ray Davies' wry, narrative lyrical style, and they experimented with varied arrangements and British-themed subjects that influenced subsequent rock and indie artists.