The Zutons
Tired of Hanging Around (Delta Sonic)
By Kim Newman
Published: September 7th, 2006 | 11:34am
Liverpool, UK’s the Zutons have a killer logo, with a superhero script that's the perfect emblem to adorn a baby tee. Too bad the logo is about all that stands out with this quintet. Sure, the band’s members seem to be strong musicians capable of creating lively and boisterous music and David McCabe, the Zutons’ chief songwriter, certainly seems to have a rousing sense of humor, but overall the music lacks quite a bit in the creativity department. Indeed, the addition of a saxophone does not make one an astounding artist.
Listening to the Zutons’ sophomore effort, Tired of Hanging Around is like stepping into the soundtrack of a stereotypical fraternity house rank with beer. You can just imagine the pounding pats on backs and bear hugs as this anthemic rock is blasted throughout the halls. There’s even a track that tackles in detail the effects of that hangover from hell (“It’s the Little Things We Do”). After one listen, you might be apt to wonder when Dan Ackroyd will make an appearance.
Ultimately, these 11 superficially happy harmonies and hook-laden tracks grow tiresome, especially as McCabe and company are utterly too attached to either ‘60s soul (“I Know I’ll Never Leave” with its funk blasts of sax) or ‘70s AM gold (“Valerie,” the album’s first single, a hackneyed version of AM rock).
Issue #34
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