The Zutons @ Liverpool University
Date: 9th December 2006
Support: The On/Offs
|
Although they’ve only managed to scrape two top-ten singles since they unleashed themselves onto the music scene, both albums, “Who Killed the Zutons?” & “Tired of Hanging Around,” have since been certified platinum, with the latter reaching Number 2 in the album charts earlier this year; as it’s been over two years since The Zutons last brought a UK Tour home to Liverpool, the extra zest of excitement outside the Liverpool University venue is anything but surprising.
Northampton-based four-piece The On/Offs kick off the proceedings with a guitar-packed set of contemporary mod rock. The highlight was “Wrong Upstairs”; a punk-driven, close-to-the-heart song about the mental state of those possessing the inability to enjoy themselves without the assistance of dodgy substances – i.e. “t**ts.” The 80’s influences are clearly dominant, both musically and physically; however, there’s nothing wrong with that, as The On/Offs follow the likes of The Rifles by flying the flag for the ever-growing contemporary mod rock music scene. The band’s storming set certainly increases their popularity and gets the crowed geared-up for the main show.
It was just after 9pm when The Zutons made their way to the stage. The down-to-earth nature of the band, especially lead-singer Dave McCabe, and the full-on fitness of Saxophonist Abi Harding, immediately seems to fuse the band and the audience into a close-knit sphere, particularly, on this occasion, the rowdy middle-aged bald chaps in stripy jumpers who must have thought they were at a Sex Pistols gig circa 1977 – though this mixture of die-hard fans, middle-aged mentalists and tarted-up girls is just another indication of the band’s diverse range of fans; not to mention every single ticket for this UK Tour was snapped-up in no time.
It’s safe to say that previous singles by this Scouse five-piece, such as the satirical stalker-esque “Why Won’t You Give Me Your Love?” and the classic, anthem-like “You Will, You Won’t,” come to life when they’re performed live, especially in unison with the ruckus caused by thousands of stomping feet. However, even the slower numbers, such as “Pressure Point” and the serene “Oh Stacey (Look What You’ve Done)” decrease the tempo for small periods; the acoustic chill-out section in the middle of the set was a nice feature, including old classics such as “Remember Me” and the ad-whored “Confusion” – it is a shit-hot song, though. This mass array of screeching guitar riffs, scorching Sax lines, diverse drum solos and witty, perfectly delivered lyrics would instantly force The Zutons to the forefront of any “Best Live” performance category.
The Zutons have definitely matured as musicians, performers and artists. I doubt they set out to make any particular kind of music, but they continue to blow the boundaries of producing inimitable and exciting results – If they carry on like this, a certain Zuton fever may become an epidemic.
For more information you can visit: http://www.thezutons.com
|
