We've put together a high quality page on vimeo where you can view all The Scratch's vids, we've called it The ScratchTV!
http://vimeo.com/channels/thescratch http://bit.ly/aLEPOa
Thursday 10 June 2010
Wednesday 9 June 2010
Losing today - 'I relax to Spiral Scratch' review
The Scratch's latest release receives a great review from losingtoday.com
the scratch
Category: Music
The Scratch ‘I relax to the spiral scratch’ (pony land). Oh yeah - doesn’t get much better than this, ultra limited 100 only re-release for this the debut outing from the much admired the Scratch sees the band continuing their plundering of the archives leading up to the eventual re-mastered ready for download issue of their long since out of print and dare we say much sought after ‘DIY‘ full length. Originally seeing the light of day in 2002 / 2003 this was at the time something of a hi-fi hogger in our gaff. A homage of sorts to the Buzzcocks legendary DIY debut ’spiral scratch’ EP before of course Devoto jumped ship to later re-emerge fronting Magazine and the newly re-jigged Shelley fronted Buzzcocks hot footed it to label major UA. A killer tune that has resisted the onset of passing years to still sound like a long lost and forgotten diamond ditty turned up from a late 70’s scene, shaping up much like something resulting from a fist fight between the Saints and the Dead Boys ’I relax to spiral scratch’ is acutely wired and dirty, scowling and cocksure, petulant and snotty and above all about you in an instant - daubed with a face peeling razor like retro grind that’s dimpled with a caustic glam tinged rash and simultaneously threaded with a deliciously turbo tripped scuzzy chug. Flip over for an equally engaged slab of ear candy in the shape of ’trigger finger’ which reveals something of a latent white funk post punk disco persona to the bands melodic psyche as it manages to embrace with much aplomb elements of mid 70’s Stones, early 90’s Primal Scream, Soup Dragons and a fair old smidgeon of Carter USM into its hip shaking lysergic fringe flipping boogie brew. And before you ask - indeed yes you do need it.
www.ponylandrecords.co.uk
the scratch
Category: Music
The Scratch ‘I relax to the spiral scratch’ (pony land). Oh yeah - doesn’t get much better than this, ultra limited 100 only re-release for this the debut outing from the much admired the Scratch sees the band continuing their plundering of the archives leading up to the eventual re-mastered ready for download issue of their long since out of print and dare we say much sought after ‘DIY‘ full length. Originally seeing the light of day in 2002 / 2003 this was at the time something of a hi-fi hogger in our gaff. A homage of sorts to the Buzzcocks legendary DIY debut ’spiral scratch’ EP before of course Devoto jumped ship to later re-emerge fronting Magazine and the newly re-jigged Shelley fronted Buzzcocks hot footed it to label major UA. A killer tune that has resisted the onset of passing years to still sound like a long lost and forgotten diamond ditty turned up from a late 70’s scene, shaping up much like something resulting from a fist fight between the Saints and the Dead Boys ’I relax to spiral scratch’ is acutely wired and dirty, scowling and cocksure, petulant and snotty and above all about you in an instant - daubed with a face peeling razor like retro grind that’s dimpled with a caustic glam tinged rash and simultaneously threaded with a deliciously turbo tripped scuzzy chug. Flip over for an equally engaged slab of ear candy in the shape of ’trigger finger’ which reveals something of a latent white funk post punk disco persona to the bands melodic psyche as it manages to embrace with much aplomb elements of mid 70’s Stones, early 90’s Primal Scream, Soup Dragons and a fair old smidgeon of Carter USM into its hip shaking lysergic fringe flipping boogie brew. And before you ask - indeed yes you do need it.
www.ponylandrecords.co.uk
Wednesday 26 May 2010
I relax to Spiral Scratch - FREE Download from Friday!!!
Just to let you know I relax to Spiral Scratch. The Scratchs limited edition 7 inch single will be available as a FREE download at www.tourdates.co.uk/the-scratch from Friday for one month only, prior to release on 5th July, ehen it will be out on all major download sites. There will be a link in The Scratchs May mailout, this Friday, if you haven't signed up to our mailing list, just go to www.thescratch.co.uk and click on the link, for exclusive news and pics!
Sunday 16 May 2010
TOUR PART 3 - THE FLAG WATFORD
And so for the finale of our mini tour, we took the relatively short trip down the A405 to Watford. The Flag is a gigantic old pub, that still has all the hallmarks of it’s coach and horses past. Right outside Watford Junction station its a transient stop off for all and sundry, yesterday on our arrival for soundcheck it was football fans making there way back from the cup final.
As we unloaded the gear it was clear that once again our literal interpretation of the contract either rendered us highly professional time keepers, or unlearning doughnuts, for knowing what normally happens (you hang around for an hour waiting for the headliner to bring the drumkit) and not heeding our vast collective wealth of experience in such matters. Ho hum, Luke the promoter was soon in evidence to allay any fears of a mere linecheck.
As the football fans drifted away, our entourage began to assemble... not least the Vince girls (Sarah completing the tour hatrick resplendent in homemade ‘Scratch on tour t-shirt!’)... big thanks too to John and Sarah’s assorted family members, some of whom were yet to experience a night out with The Scratch, plus all the others who made the continued sacrifice, Mrs. Supercockle Sue, Lee-Ann, Ray, the redoubtable McEwan, Mark L. Matt and respective mates et al... it’s been a great little tour, but what makes it extra special is the sight of you guys in the crowd (Big Love from us as ever)...
anyway, back to the gig, The Scratch were third on... the first two bands had toiled manfully with the swirling, booming vocal mix, which was a shame ‘cos there was a good stage area and backdrop, spoilt by the high ceiling just in front of it... This architectural quirk, did not deter The Scratch however, who following two days of mega-morale elevationary rock’n’roll, were in no mood to let a bit of bad monitoring spoil the party. And so it went... straight in with 4 Play (well they are gentlemen you know, even Terry!)... ripping through Ajax, two newies, the ever growing Biting on my lip and the weird and wonderful Stavin off the where’s or the wise. This section of the set served as ever as a highly charged aperitif before the super seguewayed I relax to Spiral Scratch, Critical Mass and star of the show Teen Idol megamix, which sparked frenzied gyrations in front of the stage by 3 hither too unseen hoody style trucker dudes!... as ever once the atmosphere rises, so too does the anti, followed quickly by the Andy, this time scaling the pole at the edge of stage right, to dive at the feet of a couple of startled lady watchers, the prefect finale.
To sum up the general mood at Scratch central, by using another football analogy on Cup Final Day, the introduction of the big guy at the back has really moved things up a few notches, we're working hard together and are now tighter than Stuart Pearce’s football shorts in the early 90’s and most importantly having a great laugh.
A great final moment to mention, which perfectly sums up this mini tour, was, as John and Terry left the stage, the next bands respective drummer/bassists, whispered “You bastards, how do we follow that!” from fellow musicians with no vested interest, the compliments don’t get much sweeter.It’s been great to be out on the road, everyone has thoroughly enjoyed it. Huge thanks to all of those we’ve mentioned in the tour blog, especially Jordan and the Recharged Crew, Hug(e)H Davenport, (yes we will have that interview mate!) Luke from Juicebox and hatrick hero Ms S.Vince! (We can’t wait to upload the photo’s!!!)
We’re going to be concentrating on new material for the next few weeks, before returning for a couple of 24 track full setters in St.Albans, in preparation for our summer festival highlight at Endorse IT with Captain Sensible and the gang!
All that’s left to say with our remaining, exhilarated, exhausted breathe is YOU GUYS ROCK!
xx
As we unloaded the gear it was clear that once again our literal interpretation of the contract either rendered us highly professional time keepers, or unlearning doughnuts, for knowing what normally happens (you hang around for an hour waiting for the headliner to bring the drumkit) and not heeding our vast collective wealth of experience in such matters. Ho hum, Luke the promoter was soon in evidence to allay any fears of a mere linecheck.
As the football fans drifted away, our entourage began to assemble... not least the Vince girls (Sarah completing the tour hatrick resplendent in homemade ‘Scratch on tour t-shirt!’)... big thanks too to John and Sarah’s assorted family members, some of whom were yet to experience a night out with The Scratch, plus all the others who made the continued sacrifice, Mrs. Supercockle Sue, Lee-Ann, Ray, the redoubtable McEwan, Mark L. Matt and respective mates et al... it’s been a great little tour, but what makes it extra special is the sight of you guys in the crowd (Big Love from us as ever)...
anyway, back to the gig, The Scratch were third on... the first two bands had toiled manfully with the swirling, booming vocal mix, which was a shame ‘cos there was a good stage area and backdrop, spoilt by the high ceiling just in front of it... This architectural quirk, did not deter The Scratch however, who following two days of mega-morale elevationary rock’n’roll, were in no mood to let a bit of bad monitoring spoil the party. And so it went... straight in with 4 Play (well they are gentlemen you know, even Terry!)... ripping through Ajax, two newies, the ever growing Biting on my lip and the weird and wonderful Stavin off the where’s or the wise. This section of the set served as ever as a highly charged aperitif before the super seguewayed I relax to Spiral Scratch, Critical Mass and star of the show Teen Idol megamix, which sparked frenzied gyrations in front of the stage by 3 hither too unseen hoody style trucker dudes!... as ever once the atmosphere rises, so too does the anti, followed quickly by the Andy, this time scaling the pole at the edge of stage right, to dive at the feet of a couple of startled lady watchers, the prefect finale.
To sum up the general mood at Scratch central, by using another football analogy on Cup Final Day, the introduction of the big guy at the back has really moved things up a few notches, we're working hard together and are now tighter than Stuart Pearce’s football shorts in the early 90’s and most importantly having a great laugh.
A great final moment to mention, which perfectly sums up this mini tour, was, as John and Terry left the stage, the next bands respective drummer/bassists, whispered “You bastards, how do we follow that!” from fellow musicians with no vested interest, the compliments don’t get much sweeter.It’s been great to be out on the road, everyone has thoroughly enjoyed it. Huge thanks to all of those we’ve mentioned in the tour blog, especially Jordan and the Recharged Crew, Hug(e)H Davenport, (yes we will have that interview mate!) Luke from Juicebox and hatrick hero Ms S.Vince! (We can’t wait to upload the photo’s!!!)
We’re going to be concentrating on new material for the next few weeks, before returning for a couple of 24 track full setters in St.Albans, in preparation for our summer festival highlight at Endorse IT with Captain Sensible and the gang!
All that’s left to say with our remaining, exhilarated, exhausted breathe is YOU GUYS ROCK!
xx
TOUR PART 1 - Brighton Rocks continued...
Saturday, May 15, 2010
So a little, ‘meat on the bones’ time...
The advance parties of The Scratch - Andy, Terry, Sarah (photo’s, make up, comedy drive thru moment and top 10 list compilation!), and Recharged Radio - Lauren, Jordan, Dan and the mighty ‘fly-on-the-wall’ Hug(e)h Davenport, had already had a hectic, but highly entertaining day: Fish and chips and mushy peas on the beach, fly posting outside the insect circus, a visit to Resident records in the lanes, for a cheeky purchase of X-Ray eyes 10” and a brief rest stop at the Northern lights for a bit of acoustic artisanship and light Latvian refreshment! all of that and it was still only 4pm when the merry band of gypsies finally rocked up to the (highly tucked away and compact) Live Lounge. To be greeted by the second wave of the Scratch massive (Grim, Filthy and John) who had just arrived.
As the cars were being unpacked, Hugh decided to make his way back into the hub and was soon getting in the swing: Flyering, getting chased out of pubs for ‘taking other landlords trade!’ and interviewing manically...
Meanwhile, the (Slightly tucked away) live lounge appeared a little slow to get up to speed, with The Scratch taking it upon ourselves to begin gradually piecing together assorted, disparate bits of PA and missing mic stands...
Soundcheck was finally finished by 6.30, and the entourage made its way back to base camp (The Best Western on the sea front) to get changed before heading back to the venue for 7.30...
First up were Self Help Group, followed by Jespa and then the mighty 50 ft woman delivered 30 minutes of Sexy glam, ‘sleaze’, before jumping back on the train to London, Little Philistines had the unenviable task of following, but delivered undaunted with great aplomb and then it was time for The Scratch.
Taking the floor at 9.40. The set kicked off with Strange 4Play and ended 30 minutes later with an ever manic Gas Taps (complete with Mic against the teeth action). These two provided the pitta bread in a late night ‘dirty Kebab analogy’ with: Fakers, Supermodel, Biting on my lip, I relax to Spiral Scratch, Stavin off the where’s of the wise, Teen Idol, Dear Maniac, ATG, Critical Mass and Independent Unrepentant as the donna meat and Chilli Sauce and extra onions, it was nothing less than continuation of our ‘moulten momentum gathering snow ball’.
Asked at the end, by an enthusiastic convert, “how long have you guys been together”
our reply of, “8 years” ... received a heart warming, if fanciful... “It won’t be long now” (Breath continues to be held, world!) but, It’s feeling like a damn good band to be in at the mo!...
Following Projects set (and attempted poaching of our newest recruit.... hands off our Super Cockle you cheeky boys!) We dumped the car back at the hotel and decamped for a chill at the fishbowl, soon to be joined by Mr D who had been interviewing most of Brighton in the interim (not sure I should mention inter rim?)!... Anyway, by 3.30 am it was time for more fast food replenishment, so we pointed Hugh in the general direction of his hotel after finally managing to drag him off the dance floor!... and with a mix of curry sauce, cheese, chips, meat pies and saveloy’s we headed for the hills job done. Great night.
Big thanks to Jord, all at recharged and the whole Scratch entourage and to Ben and Pat, glad you liked the ‘goody bags!’
So a little, ‘meat on the bones’ time...
The advance parties of The Scratch - Andy, Terry, Sarah (photo’s, make up, comedy drive thru moment and top 10 list compilation!), and Recharged Radio - Lauren, Jordan, Dan and the mighty ‘fly-on-the-wall’ Hug(e)h Davenport, had already had a hectic, but highly entertaining day: Fish and chips and mushy peas on the beach, fly posting outside the insect circus, a visit to Resident records in the lanes, for a cheeky purchase of X-Ray eyes 10” and a brief rest stop at the Northern lights for a bit of acoustic artisanship and light Latvian refreshment! all of that and it was still only 4pm when the merry band of gypsies finally rocked up to the (highly tucked away and compact) Live Lounge. To be greeted by the second wave of the Scratch massive (Grim, Filthy and John) who had just arrived.
As the cars were being unpacked, Hugh decided to make his way back into the hub and was soon getting in the swing: Flyering, getting chased out of pubs for ‘taking other landlords trade!’ and interviewing manically...
Meanwhile, the (Slightly tucked away) live lounge appeared a little slow to get up to speed, with The Scratch taking it upon ourselves to begin gradually piecing together assorted, disparate bits of PA and missing mic stands...
Soundcheck was finally finished by 6.30, and the entourage made its way back to base camp (The Best Western on the sea front) to get changed before heading back to the venue for 7.30...
First up were Self Help Group, followed by Jespa and then the mighty 50 ft woman delivered 30 minutes of Sexy glam, ‘sleaze’, before jumping back on the train to London, Little Philistines had the unenviable task of following, but delivered undaunted with great aplomb and then it was time for The Scratch.
Taking the floor at 9.40. The set kicked off with Strange 4Play and ended 30 minutes later with an ever manic Gas Taps (complete with Mic against the teeth action). These two provided the pitta bread in a late night ‘dirty Kebab analogy’ with: Fakers, Supermodel, Biting on my lip, I relax to Spiral Scratch, Stavin off the where’s of the wise, Teen Idol, Dear Maniac, ATG, Critical Mass and Independent Unrepentant as the donna meat and Chilli Sauce and extra onions, it was nothing less than continuation of our ‘moulten momentum gathering snow ball’.
Asked at the end, by an enthusiastic convert, “how long have you guys been together”
our reply of, “8 years” ... received a heart warming, if fanciful... “It won’t be long now” (Breath continues to be held, world!) but, It’s feeling like a damn good band to be in at the mo!...
Following Projects set (and attempted poaching of our newest recruit.... hands off our Super Cockle you cheeky boys!) We dumped the car back at the hotel and decamped for a chill at the fishbowl, soon to be joined by Mr D who had been interviewing most of Brighton in the interim (not sure I should mention inter rim?)!... Anyway, by 3.30 am it was time for more fast food replenishment, so we pointed Hugh in the general direction of his hotel after finally managing to drag him off the dance floor!... and with a mix of curry sauce, cheese, chips, meat pies and saveloy’s we headed for the hills job done. Great night.
Big thanks to Jord, all at recharged and the whole Scratch entourage and to Ben and Pat, glad you liked the ‘goody bags!’
Saturday 15 May 2010
THE SCRATCH TOUR ENDS TONIGHT IN WATFORD!!!
Just a quick reminder that The Flag in Watford is the venue for The Scratch's end of tour show tonight. Doors 8pm. £5 with flyer, (£3 in advance), be great to see you there, they're on stage just after 9. So don't be late!!!
TOUR PART 2! The Bury - Buntingford
We arrived at Buntingford’s football ground a little unsure of what to expect, all we really knew was it was an emergency services charity do Steve had organised...
On arrival, Steve was playing football, whilst the ‘medalsome’, old school throwback ‘master of ceremonies’, Les (or something like that) commentated on the match (He was a classic in his own lunchtime, repleat in best Bernard Manning untucked powder blue shirt and beer gut). Chuck into the mix a highly stressed beany clad (five generations younger), promoter, trying to set up the show behind/around and inspite of the raffle/auction table!!! and you get an idea of the scene we suveyed!
We have to be honest at this point, after last nights shenanigans it looked like tonight was going to be ‘a little after the Lord Majors show’... however.... as you all know kiddy winkies ... “don’t you judge a book just by the cover, unless you cover just another and blind acceptance is a sign of stupid fools who stand in line”... for once the crowd had settled down following the Elvis impersonator’s exit stage right, it was time for The Scratch... and once again, with a shortish, tight set, swopping Ajax in for Supermodel and Stavin off the where’s or the wise from Brighton’s set, the boys didn’t disappoint.
Sparking similar superlatives and reaction’s that each TC era gig has achieved with promises of repeat bookings. We had in classic smash and grab stylee, packed up and left around 40 minutes after our arrival, job done and buoyed still further and beginning to really feel at home on this touring lark!
Big thanks to ali, for your reaction, specially to Ali, Steve, Andy, Lucy, Sarah and co for your support (as ever!) and yes Chris lets get that gig sorted mate.
... next stop Juicebox and The Flag in Watford!
On arrival, Steve was playing football, whilst the ‘medalsome’, old school throwback ‘master of ceremonies’, Les (or something like that) commentated on the match (He was a classic in his own lunchtime, repleat in best Bernard Manning untucked powder blue shirt and beer gut). Chuck into the mix a highly stressed beany clad (five generations younger), promoter, trying to set up the show behind/around and inspite of the raffle/auction table!!! and you get an idea of the scene we suveyed!
We have to be honest at this point, after last nights shenanigans it looked like tonight was going to be ‘a little after the Lord Majors show’... however.... as you all know kiddy winkies ... “don’t you judge a book just by the cover, unless you cover just another and blind acceptance is a sign of stupid fools who stand in line”... for once the crowd had settled down following the Elvis impersonator’s exit stage right, it was time for The Scratch... and once again, with a shortish, tight set, swopping Ajax in for Supermodel and Stavin off the where’s or the wise from Brighton’s set, the boys didn’t disappoint.
Sparking similar superlatives and reaction’s that each TC era gig has achieved with promises of repeat bookings. We had in classic smash and grab stylee, packed up and left around 40 minutes after our arrival, job done and buoyed still further and beginning to really feel at home on this touring lark!
Big thanks to ali, for your reaction, specially to Ali, Steve, Andy, Lucy, Sarah and co for your support (as ever!) and yes Chris lets get that gig sorted mate.
... next stop Juicebox and The Flag in Watford!
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