The Zutons announce 2024 return with The Big Decider

The Zutons are back and better than before with their first album in 16 years, The Big Decider. Produced by the acclaimed songwriter/producer Nile Rodgers and the band’s original producer Ian Broudie, the English indie rockers return with a project of treasured significance, recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios.

Formed in Liverpool in 2001, The Zutons are a multi-platinum selling band who released three studio albums from 2004 to 2008. They earned 9 UK Top 40 singles, including 2 Top 10s with ‘Why Won’t You Give Me Your Love?’ and ‘Valerie,’ the latter of which went on to become a triple-platinum hit by Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse.

They return after a necessary, extended period away with an album of treasured significance to the band. The Big Decider rides on self-awareness, authenticity, and the shared chemistry and connection between The Zutons; it’s a journey of a listen, complete with sunny peaks, heartfelt lyricism and anthemic, cathartic releases.

The pandemic shutdown set the band in motion to complete their forthcoming project, as guitarist and lead singer Dave Mccabe recalls, “We were all living together in our own little bubble, plenty of booze and mushrooms and a lot of bonding! It was necessary.”

After McCabe spent some fruitful time in rehab, The Zutons rallied together once again with fire in their heels. The result is a truly collaborative product, the result of long-time friendships that even fall-outs and breakdowns can fix with love — love for one another, and for creating together.

Abi Harding (saxophone, vocals) shares, “Dave has been through an awful lot in the last few years, and these things have obviously really impacted him. 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 album draws from the past decade and a half of life experience, touching on family tragedies, losses and births, epiphanies and home truths.

The Big Decider - cover art

Speaking of collaborating with legendary producer Nile Rodgers, McCabe says, “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 echoes that sentiment in regard to Ian Broudie, The Zutons’ long-time producer. “It was great to reconnect with Ian Broudie on this record as well,” McCabe adds. “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.”

Drummer and vocalist Sean Payne shares, “We had a genuine feeling of a shared vision. In the past we haven’t really said how we feel, or we’ve taken each other the wrong way. But this album was different. We really didn’t feel good until it was just how we wanted it.”

The Big Decider by The Zutons is due for release April 26, 2024 via ICEPOP.

The band has also announced a string of UK tour dates from January to March, playing intimate venues. Pre-sale tickets are available now at the link here, and will go on general sale from 10.00am on Friday, November 24.

Check out the album trailer below, featuring four new songs: ‘Creeping On The Dancefloor,’ ‘Pauline,’ ‘In Your Arms’ and ‘Rise.’ The Big Decider is available for pre-order at the link here.

The Zutons — The Big Decider album tracklist:
1. Creeping On The Dancefloor
2. Pauline
3. Water
4. In Your Arms
5. Disappear
6. Company
7. The Big Decider
8. Rise
9. Best Of Me