Growing up near Liverpool, it was easy to see that the city's music was hamstrung by delusions of superiority throughout the Nineties.
Hopelessly in thrall to byegone days, it seemed content to bask in reflected glories.
First The Coral and now The Zutons have finally broken the loop. Neither could be said to be breaking new ground but both are blessed with a gloriously irreverent approach to the past, a freewheeling disregard for received notions of good taste.
The Zutons' reference points are many, from Morricone and Dexys to Dr John and The Animals but for all their magpie tendencies, they've already forged their an idiosyncratic, instantly recognisable sound.
It has now deservedly brought them to the cusp of stardom. Dismissed initially as hopeless chancers, they've gone from third on the bill at the Concorde earlier in the year to almost selling out the Dome tonight.
This was the opening gig of their biggest tour to date and they seemed a trifle taken aback at the ovations granted them, which was as endearing as it was unnecessary.
Frontman Dave McCabe's full-throated voice effortlessly filled the venue and his compatriots have enough energy to take to take any stage. And with material this strong, they should be expecting adoration wherever they go - Remember Me, You Will You Won't, Pressure Point and Dirty Dancehall are all among the year's defining moments.
With their amiable demeanours and McCabe's friendly, if often incomprehensible, stage patter, it was easy to miss the air of unease which underpins many of the tracks. Raucous and jaunty may be their speciality, but the good times in these songs are often tempered with heartbreak and paranoia.
Truly the best of both worlds.
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