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The Zutons, while displaying a tendency to shuffle towards white-boy funk (possibly the worst genre ever), do boast an incredibly efficient rhythm section. The tight, snappy beat of Creepin' an' a Crawlin' is punctuated by wonderfully stuttered saxophone, while Rumblin' Ramblin' gives way to bluesy acoustic reggae that is held together by a prowling, grooved bass line. Ian Broudie's  production is slick and groomed, but this gives the record a glossy finish that, unfortunately, nips any sense of rawness or spontaneity straight in the bud. It sounds like The Beta Band in the middle of a cider-fuelled squabble with Weather Report....um, is that bad?

Mia Clarke
June-July 2003

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