PureVolume

Members: Abi Harding, Boyan Chowdhury, David McCabe, Russell Pritchard, Sean Payne

BIO

The Zutons formed in Liverpool in 2001, taking their name from The Magic Band guitarist Bill Harkleroad, better known as Zoot Horn (or "Zuton") Rollo. Dave McCabe had previously been in Tramp Attack, and Russ and Sean were in The Big Kids.

Originally a four-piece, Sean's girlfriend Abi began joining The Zutons on stage for a couple of songs mid-set, playing simple saxophone lines. She was very popular with the crowd, and the other band members liked the way the saxophone enhanced their sound. Abi soon became a full member, contributing vocals and sax.

At first the band had to battle comparisons to The Coral. Both bands were Merseyside bands, on the same record label, and they shared the same producer, Ian Broudie. The band's music has proved difficult to categorise, being described as "psychedelic cartoon punk". McCabe, who is also the lead songwriter, includes amongst his influences Talking Heads, Devo, Sly & the Family Stone, Dexy's Midnight Runners and Madness.

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' An' 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 on 18 October, 2004, and reached number 9 in the UK album chart. 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 new album Tired of Hanging Around was released on April 17, 2006 and reached 2 in the UK album charts. The band toured the UK in May 2006 following the release of this album. The band's singles this year include Why Won't You Give Me Your Love and Valerie.

Visit The Zuton's official website here, also check out their myspace.