Liverpool act wrap up city's new music event

23 May 2009 - The Zutons closed the Liverpool Sound City festival last night, with a home coming gig that saw them preview new material alongside old classics.

The band played to 650 fans at the St Georges Hall concert rooms at the end of the Sound City event's four days and nights of gigs, conferences, exhibitions and workshops.

It was an unlikely venue, usually host to classical concerts, but frontman Dave McCabe said he was looking forward to a change of scenery:

"I think this gig will be different because of the intimacy of St George's. It's always fun to play smaller places. It will be interesting and a good one to be at."

It's been something of a roller-coaster 18 months for The Zutons. Their third album You Can Do Anything entered the UK album charts at No. 8, they got to play with Paul McCartney at Anfield last year and their track Valerie was covered by Amy Winehouse to become an international smash hit. But all this was followed by The Zuton's label, Sony BMG, dropping them over Christmas last year, allegedly because they weren't shifting enough records.

Tonight they came back kicking and screaming and with a some new, more rocky, beat-heavy songs, The Zutons proved to their hometown crowd that they are still one of the best bands to emerge from Liverpool in the last 5 or so years - and they embodied that party spirit that the city is so famous for.

It seems McCabe and co. have abandoned their chirpy sing-along chorus's with the trademark ‘insert girl's name here’ trick. And instead, their new material sounded much more sophisticated with atmospheric drum parts, showy guitar solos and vocals that smacked of 70's acts like Led Zeppelin.

The band knew when to pull out the old favourites and the set list was a mix of hits and old album tracks as well as brand new numbers, much to the delight of the audience:

"It went down really well, we loved it - even the stuff we've not heard before - the crowd loved it. It was one of the best gigs I've seen them do." said one fan.

The Zutons were only one of around 400 bands to play in Liverpool over the last four days as part of the Liverpool Sound City Festival. Artists including The Rascals, The Damned, White Lies, Juliette Lewis and Little Boots have played at venues across the city. As well as that, the likes of Billy Bragg have been involved in music industry discussions and legendary photographer Kevin Cummins showcased a selection of photographs of some of Liverpool's biggest pop stars in a brand new exhibition.

Now in its second year, the event aims to bring new music to the city and create an opportunity for industry bosses to check out up and coming talent in the North West. The local punters at last night's gig certainly think it's a good idea - with one gig-goer gushing:

"It's boosting tourism, I've got ten friends who've come from all over the country. It's good to have the focus on Liverpool and we've really enjoyed the chance to see some new music."SET LISTWhy Won't You Give Me Your LoveBum BagZuton ForeverPressure PointHello ConscienceConfusionValerieBrand New Toy204Just You WaitDon't Ever ThinkYou Will You Won'tAlways Right Behind You