Sixteen years, to be precise, since their last studio album. But fear not, indie rock fans, for they’re back with a brand new banger to get your feet stompin’ and your head boppin’ – “Creeping On The Dancefloor.” This ain’t your average reunion single; it’s a shot of nostalgia with a shot of disco, a slice of grit with a sprinkle of swagger.
From the opening Nile Rodgers-infused guitar lick, we’re whisked back to the heady days of early 2000s indie, when The Zutons ruled the airwaves with anthems like “Valerie” and “Pressure Point.” Frontman Dave McCabe’s trademark raspy growl is as captivating as ever, weaving a tale of stolen glances and late-night escapades with a wink and a mischievous grin.
“Creeping On The Dancefloor” isn’t just about reminiscing, though. It’s a reminder that The Zutons haven’t been sitting idly by in the intervening years. The song pulsates with a newfound energy, a dancefloor-ready groove that wouldn’t feel out of place in a chic 70s discotheque. This isn’t a band stuck in the past; they’re embracing their influences and channeling them into something fresh and electrifying.
But just because the song shimmers with disco sheen doesn’t mean it lacks bite. The lyrics retain The Zutons’ signature social commentary, poking fun at hipster pretentiousness (“You ain’t doing it for the money, cos you ain’t making any f*****g money!”) and celebrating the raw joy of letting loose on the dancefloor, regardless of who’s watching.
The music video for “Creeping On The Dancefloor” is a kaleidoscope of color and movement, reflecting the song’s vibrant energy. We see the band tearing it up on stage, interspersed with clips of ordinary people finding their own groove in kitchens, bedrooms, and yes, even dancefloors. It’s a reminder that the music, despite its infectious swagger, belongs to everyone.
“Creeping On The Dancefloor” is more than just a comeback single; it’s a declaration. The Zutons are back, they’re louder than ever, and they’re here to remind us that sometimes, the best way to deal with the world is to dance like nobody’s watching. So, crank up the volume, grab your nearest dancing partner, and let The Zutons lead you on a musical whirlwind through the past, present, and onto the dancefloor of the future.
Fun Fact
The band’s name actually comes from a misspelling of one of Captain Beefheart’s guitarists, Zoot Horn Rollo. Dave McCabe, the frontman, liked the unusual sound of “The Zutons” and stuck with it. Their debut album artwork, featuring the band being attacked by a zombie, perfectly encapsulates their darkly humorous aesthetic. While known for their garage rock vibes, The Zutons have surprising musical influences like the jazz saxophone stylings of John Coltrane and the disco grooves of Nile Rodgers. These influences subtly weave into their sound, adding depth and texture. In 2004, they were one of the first bands to play the newly-built O2 Arena in London, proving their meteoric rise to indie stardom.
About the Band
Emerging from the vibrant Liverpool music scene in the early 2000s, The Zutons weren’t your average indie band. They were a raucous cocktail of scuzzy guitars, saxophone swagger, and frontman Dave McCabe’s inimitable raspy growl, injecting the scene with a shot of adrenaline and humor.
Formed in 2001, the band initially consisted of vocalist and guitarist McCabe, drummer Sean Payne, bassist Russell Pritchard, and guitarist Boyan Chowdhury. With the addition of Abi Harding on saxophone, their sound solidified – a riotous blend of garage rock, soul, and punk, sprinkled with sharp social commentary and playful wit.
Their debut album, “Who Killed…… The Zutons?,” released in 2004, exploded onto the charts, spawning anthems like “Valerie” and “Pressure Point.” These songs, with their infectious melodies and McCabe’s charismatic delivery, catapulted the band to indie stardom, filling arenas and gracing festival stages across the UK and beyond.
Beyond the music, The Zutons were known for their electrifying live shows, chaotic yet exuberant affairs that left audiences breathless. McCabe’s onstage antics, Abi’s saxophone solos, and the band’s undeniable collective energy became legendary, solidifying their status as live music darlings.
