LAST weekend the Zutons cancelled the remaining dates of their UK tour after drummer Sean Payne was struck down by a severe viral infection.

And having been fortunate enough to catch them in action in Wolverhampton, I would strongly advise anyone with tickets for the cancelled dates to be at the rescheduled shows.

This is because the Zutons treated the Wulfrun Hall to an incredible set, which opened with the aptly named song Zuton Fever.

A host of infectious anthems, including You Will You Won't, Pressure Point and Longtime Coming followed, which were gratefully received by the excited crowd who clearly approved of the Liverpudlian band's latest chart offering Don't Ever Think.

Singer David McCabe nurtured an excellent rapport with the audience during the gig, while 20-year-old saxophonist Abi Harding combined impressive musical skills with high octane dancing and huge stage presence.

The performance as a whole was a highly polished affair which betrayed the fact the band, who are all in their early to mid 20s, only officially got together in spring 2002.

It also showed they thoroughly deserved the nomination for this year's Mercury Music Prize for the album Who Killed the Zutons - it's just a pity they did not win. BH