The Zutons - 'Always Right Behind You'
Apparently the fact that the Zutons' new album will be rockier than previously is thrilling enough to merit a headline all of its own on , and with two bylines, no less. Judging by this opener from the third album 'You Can Do Anything', the tempo has been raised in accordance with the stakes, but I don't think there's a sufficiently severe change of musical direction here to alienate their existing fanbase.
'Always Right Behind You' is a touch scuzzier than the clipped, clean sounds of 'Valerie' or 'Why Won't You Give Me Your Love', but the sense of playfulness and experimentation continues. The folky-jazzy influences that made the band stand out amongst a group of indie clones are still present, and lend this track an air of unpredictability. It prevents the tune from turning into too much of a Status Quo-esque '70s throwback. It would be really good Status Quo, if that were true, but Status Quo nonetheless, and therefore not wholly relevant to the music scene in 2008.
The song's real strength is in its chorus, which is simple but deceptively effective: it's a basic repetition of the title backed up with power chords and a seriously infectious riff. It may not be hugely innovative, but you should never underestimate just how impressive a simple concept can be if done well, which is definitely the case here.
It's perhaps a little by-numbers for a return single, which really needs to be a stormer on the grounds that it's the best sales pitch for your album, but that's a very minor gripe on an otherwise smart comeback.
Download: Out now
CD Released: May 26th
(Steve Perkins)
Comments Post your comment