路透帮乐团

The Zutons are an English indie rock band formed in Liverpool, in 2001. The band currently consists of Dave McCabe (vocals, guitar), Abi Harding (saxophone), Jay Lewis (guitar), Neil Bradley (keyboards) and Tim Cunningham (bass).

The band's debut album, Who Killed...... The Zutons?, was released in April 2004. With the release of their second studio album, Tired of Hanging Around (2006), the band achieved UK chart success with the singles, "Why Won't You Give Me Your Love?" and "Valerie", both of which reached number 9 on the UK Singles Chart.

Founding guitarist Boyan Chowdhury left the band in 2007 and was replaced by Paul Molloy for their third studio album, You Can Do Anything, which was released in June 2008. The band quietly disbanded the following year in 2009, and briefly reunited in 2016 for a one-off performance with Chowdhury, billed as "probably [their] last ever performance" in remembrance of their friend, actor and former Tramp Attack frontman Kristian Ealey.

In November 2018, the band announced a full reunion tour to commemorate and perform their debut album, with Jay Lewis of Cast and The La's replacing founding bass guitarist Russell Pritchard. Following the tour's completion, the band remained together, with Chowdhury eventually departing again in 2022.

After a sixteen-year gap between studio albums, the band released their fourth studio album, The Big Decider, in April 2024. The album was produced by Nile Rodgers, Ian Broudie of the Lightning Seeds, and drummer Sean Payne. It reached number seven on the UK Albums Chart. The following year, Payne departed from the band and was replaced by The Stairs drummer Paul Maguire on tour.

History

Formation

The Zutons formed in Liverpool in 2001, taking their name from Captain Beefheart's Magic Band guitarist Zoot Horn Rollo. McCabe had previously been in the band Tramp Attack. Both Pritchard and Payne were members of Edgar Jones' post Stairs band The Big Kids (with Sean's brother Howie Payne of The Stands). The band was originally a four-piece, before Payne's girlfriend Abi Harding began joining The Zutons on stage for a couple of songs mid-set, playing simple saxophone lines. The other band members liked the way her saxophone enhanced their sound and Harding became a full member, contributing vocals and sax.

Deltasonic head Alan Wills was initially dubious about the musical talents of McCabe: "I'd heard other bands Jay had played in and I thought they were all rubbish". The Coral's James Skelly was persistent in trying to convince Wills of his friend's potential and the breakthrough finally came when the bedroom demos of the newly formed Zutons persuaded the Deltasonic head into working with them.

At first, the band had to battle comparisons to The Coral. Both bands were Merseyside bands prominent in the Liverpool music scene; were on the same record label; shared the same producer, Ian Broudie; and were good friends, with McCabe having previously written songs with James Skelly. The band's music has proved difficult to categorize, being described as "psychedelic cartoon punk". McCabe, who is also the lead songwriter, includes amongst his influences Talking Heads, Devo, Sly & the Family Stone, Dexys Midnight Runners, Sublime and Madness.

Early singles and Who Killed...... The Zutons? (2002–2005)

The first record the band put out was the 3-track CD Devil's Deal, released in September 2002. The following spring they released Creepin' and a Crawlin', and then the download-only single "Haunts Me" in November 2003. The band's "Z" logo was changed early in 2004 to avoid confusion with the Zenith logo.

The Zutons' debut album, Who Killed...... The Zutons?, was released in April 2004, and initially reached No. 13 in the UK album chart. However, after nearly a year, it moved up to No. 9 in early 2005. The LP had a specially printed 3-D cover and came with Zutons 3-D viewing glasses, which many fans then wore to their concerts. Early copies of the album also included a bonus 4-track CD of alternative versions of their songs. The album was critically acclaimed and was a nominee for the 2004 Mercury Music Prize. The band themselves were nominated for the British Breakthrough Act award at the 2005 BRIT Awards. The album was later re-issued following the single "Don't Ever Think (Too Much)", with that song being added as track 13. The track "Confusion" was used in a Peugeot 307 car advert in the UK during 2004-2005.