The Barrowland Ballroom Glasgow, With The Covasettes
Every Zutons gig should come with a Health Warning, a very positive health warning that is, with their music reaching parts of the body many acts can only aspire to.
From the moment they strolled on to the stage at the Barrowland and launched into signature tune Zuton Fever until they finally departed to a rousing cheer with the instrumental Zuton Fever Reprise it was party time.
And what was the reason for the party atmosphere amongst an audience that ranged from early teenagers to their not so young music fanbase?
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. For many then it would be the catchy tunes, very danceable tunes, that they were more than familiar with.
While the band split up in 2009 they reformed in 2023/24 for both a new album release , The Big Decider, and promotion tour. Buoyed by the reception they received they upped the ante with gigs at larger venues, like The Barrowland Ballroom.
In summary, this is a band that have been around for over 20 years. They’ve had success. They’ve had a break only to return and find their music still resonates with music fans.
What distinguishes The Zutons amongst other acts of a similar and broad indie-pop/indie-rock nature though is the outstanding virtuosity on show from saxophonist Abi Harding.
She is able to take a good song, add some sax frills at key points, and turn it into a great song. And it’s not just as a sax player she is allowed to shine. Backing vocals abounded and she took over the lead role from Dave McCabe to perform a cover of Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black that was sensational in its delivery and reminded everyone what the world missed the day Amy passed from this world.
As a collective the band of Jay Lewis on lead guitar, Tim Cunningham on bass, birthday boy Neil Bradley on keyboards and Paul McGuire on drums kept the tempo high throughout, without taking the limelight from Harding and McCabe.
In a set list comprising 18 songs, six were lifted off the latest album with each seemingly more dynamic live and, should further tours be organised in the years ahead, then one or two will no doubt be added to the backbone of the other songs taken from their earliest incarnation. Creeping On The Dancefloor is an obvious contender, fulfilling all the wishes of the audience filling The Barrowland Ballroom, a venue initially built, as its name suggests, for dancing.
Looking back, it’s hardly surprising that many of the songs have stood the test of time. They seemed to be written to make people happy and in that respect they have certainly succeeded.
As we departed into the chill night air, there were more than a few people skipping merrily down the Glasgow Streets. Bouncing, skipping, happy. It was one of those kinds of nights out.
Support – The Covasettes
The Covasettes are from Manchester and their signature indie with the band’s music built around frontman Chris Buxton’s heartfelt lyrics and melody, guitarist Matt Hewlett’s infectious riffs, drummer Matt Buckley’s rock-inspired grooves and bassist/producer Jamie McIntyre’s pop production sensibilities.
It can be quite daunting for a young up and coming band to open up for an established act like The Zutons in an established musical venue like The Barrowland Ballroom, yet they took it all in their stride, happy to engage with the Weegies in a bit of banter. Musically, they have been influenced by the likes of Arctic Monkeys and The Courteeners and have a debut album coming out later in the year when we might be in a better position to judge their direction of travel. Certainly ones to see again and witness how they’ve progressed.
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