The Zutons - Pressure Point
[Deltasonic]

You have to feel for The Zutons, by the time their debut album sees the light of day, The Coral will have released their third and for a band plagued by comparisons to their fellow Scousers, the lengthy period since the 'Bandwagon' scene kicked off can't have done them many favours.

Thankfully, time has been spent productively, creating a sound they can proudly call their own & distancing them from the scene. They've smartly embraced often-forgotten flavours in popular music, namely a dose of New Orleans courtesy of Dr. John. Combining a pop ethos with eery rhythm & blues, they manage to remain both contemporary with a nod to retro influences.

'Pressure Point' itself is The Zutons finest moment, dark & paranoid voodoo skiffle yet amazingly chart-friendly, it easily overshadows the highly sought-after, mediocre debut. With a difference in song-writing immediately present, this is a fully polished group with a main focus on hypnotic, mantra-like vocals & percussive instrumentation. This is schizophrenic pop genius at its best.

Former B-side & live favourite 'Zutonkhamuun' gets a re-recording, it's wacky title a distasteful reminder of their former student image, borders into a Beta Band drumfest. Led by a enchanting melodica solo & event more percussion, it's tracks like these which leave The Zutons one of the most exciting new bands around.

It's evident they have more ideas than most young guitar bands these days, the idea of an album just got a whole lot more promising. Zuton Fever has finally arrived.