The Zutons
David McCabe's now trademark witty sarcasm treats the sinister and the mundane equally
| 16 May 2006
Scouse rockers The Zutons are known for being relentlessly chipper about feeling like crap. Why wouldn't they be? After breaking free (to some extent) from lazy comparisons to The Coral and Madness, their 2004 double platinum debut 'Who Killed The Zutons?' earned them a Mercury Music Prize nomination. Now they're back, feeling positive as ever with 'Tired Of Hanging Around'.
Formed in 2001 and originally a four-piece, drummer Sean Payne's girlfriend Abi Harding began to join them on stage with her sax. Impressing the band by how she enhanced their sound, she was invited to stay. The first album burst onto our airwaves, producing five catchy top forty singles; Remember Me, You Will You Won't, Confusion, Pressure Point and Don't Ever Think. It exposed their distinct sound, not easily pinned to any one category and once referred to as "psychedelic cartoon punk." It had fans jumping up and down and the rest of us involuntarily tapping our feet. The second album threatens to do the same with songs such as Oh Stacey, title track Tired of Hanging Around and the single Why Won't You Give Me Your Love? smelling like hits in the offing.
Produced by Stephen Street (The Kaiser Chiefs, The Smiths), 'Tired Of Hanging Around' exudes the same energy as its predecessor, but with less of that potentially grating chirpiness. Extensive touring appears to have hardened the band, resulting in a second album that is edgier and more focused. Frontman David McCabe's now trademark witty sarcasm treats the sinister and the mundane equally. Songs about stalking (You've got A Friend In Me) and being hung-over (It's The Little Things We Do) are delivered in the same satirical manner. Lyrics however, play second fiddle to The Zuton's overall musical package. Harding's sultry saxophone is thankfully still prominent, as are the bouncy rhythms and 'meaty' guitar riffs.
The freshly released album promises to satisfy existing followers of their happy-go-lucky indie 'rock n' soul' pop and possibly convert minor critics. Surely only the most miserable, tortured souls and those who genuinely enjoy skinning little puppies alive can forcibly disallow themselves getting sucked - even just a little bit - into the jovial, animated world of The Zutons. Witness them in Glasgow and Edinburgh as they're sure to thrive live this month.
Formed in 2001 and originally a four-piece, drummer Sean Payne's girlfriend Abi Harding began to join them on stage with her sax. Impressing the band by how she enhanced their sound, she was invited to stay. The first album burst onto our airwaves, producing five catchy top forty singles; Remember Me, You Will You Won't, Confusion, Pressure Point and Don't Ever Think. It exposed their distinct sound, not easily pinned to any one category and once referred to as "psychedelic cartoon punk." It had fans jumping up and down and the rest of us involuntarily tapping our feet. The second album threatens to do the same with songs such as Oh Stacey, title track Tired of Hanging Around and the single Why Won't You Give Me Your Love? smelling like hits in the offing.
Produced by Stephen Street (The Kaiser Chiefs, The Smiths), 'Tired Of Hanging Around' exudes the same energy as its predecessor, but with less of that potentially grating chirpiness. Extensive touring appears to have hardened the band, resulting in a second album that is edgier and more focused. Frontman David McCabe's now trademark witty sarcasm treats the sinister and the mundane equally. Songs about stalking (You've got A Friend In Me) and being hung-over (It's The Little Things We Do) are delivered in the same satirical manner. Lyrics however, play second fiddle to The Zuton's overall musical package. Harding's sultry saxophone is thankfully still prominent, as are the bouncy rhythms and 'meaty' guitar riffs.
The freshly released album promises to satisfy existing followers of their happy-go-lucky indie 'rock n' soul' pop and possibly convert minor critics. Surely only the most miserable, tortured souls and those who genuinely enjoy skinning little puppies alive can forcibly disallow themselves getting sucked - even just a little bit - into the jovial, animated world of The Zutons. Witness them in Glasgow and Edinburgh as they're sure to thrive live this month.
Tired of Hanging Around' is out now.
The Zutons play Barrowland, Glasgow on May 9 and Queens Hall, Edinburgh on May 15.
The Zutons play Barrowland, Glasgow on May 9 and Queens Hall, Edinburgh on May 15.