The Zutons announce first album in 16 years and UK tour
'The Big Decider' is released in April 2024
by Scott Colothan
The Zutons. PhotoCredit: Jonathan Turton
'Valerie' hitmakers The Zutons have announced their first album in 16 years and a lengthy UK tour of intimate venues.
Featuring nine all-new Zutons tracks, 'The Big Decider' is the band's first record since 2008's 'You Can Do Anything' and it's released on Friday 26th April 2024.
The Zutons recorded the album at the world famous Abbey Road Studios in London and the renowned Rockfield Studios in Monmouthshire with superstar producers, Chic's Nile Rodgers and The Lightning Seeds' Ian Broudie, who helmed their debut album 'Who Killed The Zutons?'
Newly trimmed down to a trio - Dave McCabe (guitar, lead vocals), Abi Harding (saxophone, vocals) and Sean Payne (drums, vocals) - The Zutons say their new record is one "born under the weight of family tragedies."
According to a statement from the band, the album was 'wrestled into shape under the kind of steam that only decades-long friendships - with all their messy fall-outs, make-ups, breakdowns and ultimately love - can muster.'
The band also cite Dave McCabe's stay in rehab as a turning point that brought them closer together.
"Dave has been through an awful lot in the last few years, and these things have obviously really impacted him," says Harding.
"But his songwriting has only got better. Now he spends more time on his songs. He's in touch with his own and others' emotions, and that all goes into the songs. It has been so nice to watch him grow. I'm so proud of him."
The Zutons - The Big Decider artwork
Dave McCabe comments: "Working with Nile was just an amazing experience, he gave me a confidence that I've never felt before making a record. He's very laid-back as a person and a good listener."
He adds: "It was great to reconnect with Ian Broudie on this record as well. He told me the demo of Big Decider brought a tear to his eye and that's why he said yes to working with us again. It was one of the first songs we wrote for the album so getting that reaction from Ian made me feel like we were doing something right. The song spoke for itself."
Ahead of the album's release, The Zutons will embark on a lengthy UK tour in early 2024 taking in intimate venues.
