The Zutons

Liverpool Carling Academy, Thursday 29th April 2004

It was a homecoming night for the latest band hot off Liverpool’s musical production line and tonight’s proceedings certainly showed the fact that Liverpool’s musical legacy is still in fine fettle.

The atmosphere at the Carling academy it almost felt like you had stumbled into someone’s family party. No doubt the various Zuton – aunties and uncles gave the atmosphere that feeling. Prior to the arrival of the latest hometown favourites, Liverpool’s future stars were on display.

First up tonight was the Jones’s fronted by Edgar Jones, veteran of numerous ‘I can’t believe they were never bigger’ Liverpool bands The former Stairs front man’s band has certainly raided the Motown albums for inspiration. They are certainly one’s to watch for the future

The Dead 60’s label mates of the Zutons due to release their first single, displayed a two-tone element that has always been lacking from the Liverpool scene.

It’s good to see Liverpool taking their inspiration these days from a wider source than is usually the case and no doubt the future looks good.

The crowd had been suitably warmed by the exceptional support acts, it was time for the main attraction, buoyed by a top ten album and headlining national tour was certainly out to prove what they had to offer.

Drawing heavily from their debut album the Zutons the band played with a swagger that was pleasing to see. The only thing that averted their concentration was the odd shout from people they knew in the audience.

They kicked into life with ‘Zuton Fever’, which had the Carling Academy crowd bouncing off the walls, of this homely venue. ‘Pressure point’ followed and was a real tour de force as the band belted out the recent single as one at the front of the stage.

The varied nature of the Zutons set meant that there was something for everyone from their mixed bag of musical influences, scallydelic is the term that the NME has dubbed this style of music, but whatever it is it certainly has mass appeal.

The somewhat skewed tribute to a night out in the city of culture, ‘Dirty Dancehall’ was delivered to an appreciative audience who sang back the mocking lyrics.

The encore delivered the crowd favourite ‘You will, You Wont’ and the crowd went home happy having heard the new album near enough track for track.