Friday night saw The Scratch start 2011 in fine style with a live and electric session on Recharged Radio's Friday Forum show. Starting at 7pm from the 'Church of Steve Honest' just off London's Old Street, this, RR's first live Broadcast of 2011 also featured Hug(e)h Davenport our old cohort from CRMK radio as a guest joint presenter with Jordan and our host Steve Honest behind the mixing desk assisted by his 4 year old son and Ben 10 fanatic Leo.
The band stood facing each other behind the glass in the separate live room, connected to the outside world and control room by 5 sets of headphones. Kicking off what was initially due to be 5 live songs (but in actuality became 8!) with live 'classic' and set staple Dear Maniac. The mildly surreal atmosphere was exacerbated by the 5 to 10 minute gaps between tracks, leaving a feeling of anticipation and tenterhooks as Jordan and Hug(e)h progressed the show. Only punctuated every so often by a whispered "30 seconds to go guys" from Steve Honest.
Track two saw the band 're-activated' with a - Desire to be Thin. A further 10 minutes elapsed before Jordan paused from spinning the new sounds of 2011, to chat with added chipping ins from Huge.
Next up was Biting on my lip leading the show into it's halftime news break. The 2nd half of proceedings continued quickly with 3 more tracks, two newies and a fave. First up was 88th Day of Rain, followed by an almost seemless segue of future star track Weirder than we are and the 'Lucy Fakers' dedicated Against the Grain (incidentally Jordan is still in possession of an early mix on mp3 of the aforementioned Weirder than we are, that he first aired back in November when Andy co-hosted the show, which like this show from early next week, is still available for free podcast download from iTunes!)
A couple more 'green room' refreshments were then imbibed courtesy of the unusually well behaved 'Super' and his white carrier bag, they launched into Recharged Radio favourite Teen Idol.
The band by now had already played 2 more songs than they'd been practicing for the show, so when Jordan decided he was bored of talking anymore, a quick meeting conjoured up Homely Crackle a track that is to be the bands next single by way of a vinyl only release to commemorate record store day on Saturday April 16th. And so, a fitting way to end a great evenings work with what was probably the pick of The Scratch's output on the night. But if you missed it don't take our word for it, as previously stated you can download it and make your own mind up from iTunes early next week. Keep your eyes peeled and we'll send you the info as soon as it's available via one of our wonders of social network!
Thanks to steve honest, Jordan, Huge D and Leo for a thoroughly enjoyable show... With the news that The Scratch will be returning to the Great Escape Festival with Recharged Radio again this year spurring us onto the pub round the corner for a debrief, with feelings of a job well done abounding!
Next stop a local night at The White Hart Tap in St.Albans on sat 29th Jan, see you all there!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Friday, December 24, 2010
The honour of the last window on the Recharged advent calender!
Dear Scratchers,
Huge pride is ours at being the last window to open on this years Recharged Radio advent calender... many thanks to Jord, Minki, Alex, Dave, Mike, Justin and everyone else who have supported us so greatly in 2010... it's an honour to be so featured by a radio station that in their way, come from the same DIY ethic as us... long may it continue, cos Unsigned music and bands out of the industry clique need a voice and these guys give it to all the bands featured on the calender and all the many more hundreds that they feature.
It's easy to be lazy and stick your radio on XFM or Radio 1... and be playlisted to death by who has the biggest plugging budget... it's up to all of you, to keep the flag flying, so if you haven't yet go to www.rechargedradio.com and click play!... If like us, due to your busy lives you can't always catch the shows when they are broadcast, there is now no excuse, as you can download the podcasts for FREE! from itunes too... if you're into music, new music, non mainstream music, music that still has the potential for excitement, it's the best Xmas present you can give yourself!
Thanks to all the great bands and people associated with Recharged we have met, played with, got drunk with and seen in 2010. We look forward to doing the same in 2011.
Listen out for our session on 7th Jan at the Church of Steve Honest, where we hope to start the new year as we mean to go on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Scratch
x
Huge pride is ours at being the last window to open on this years Recharged Radio advent calender... many thanks to Jord, Minki, Alex, Dave, Mike, Justin and everyone else who have supported us so greatly in 2010... it's an honour to be so featured by a radio station that in their way, come from the same DIY ethic as us... long may it continue, cos Unsigned music and bands out of the industry clique need a voice and these guys give it to all the bands featured on the calender and all the many more hundreds that they feature.
It's easy to be lazy and stick your radio on XFM or Radio 1... and be playlisted to death by who has the biggest plugging budget... it's up to all of you, to keep the flag flying, so if you haven't yet go to www.rechargedradio.com and click play!... If like us, due to your busy lives you can't always catch the shows when they are broadcast, there is now no excuse, as you can download the podcasts for FREE! from itunes too... if you're into music, new music, non mainstream music, music that still has the potential for excitement, it's the best Xmas present you can give yourself!
Thanks to all the great bands and people associated with Recharged we have met, played with, got drunk with and seen in 2010. We look forward to doing the same in 2011.
Listen out for our session on 7th Jan at the Church of Steve Honest, where we hope to start the new year as we mean to go on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Scratch
x
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Despite some early heartaches, it's a great night with The Heartbreaks!
Advanced sales had left the gig teetering perilously on the edge of a sell out... but as The Lead took to the stage (slightly late) at 9.10, it was clear that the weather was taking it's toll on the numbers… it was always going to though wasn't it, especially when you've looked forward to a gig as much as this…
The evening had started badly with Super almost getting stuck in Scotland, thankfully he managed to get a flight… but was delayed enough to miss the soundcheck, it made that part of a rollercoaster night surreal to say the least… next unwanted circumstance was the premature demise of the live Recharged Radio Stream of the Friday Forum show (and much publicised live broadcast of The Scratch's performance!)… it had started ok, Jordan had managed to interview Andy, setting the scene for what promised to be an exciting night of up and coming indie and new wave… but alas, within half an hour and despite the umpteenth reboot of the server the broadband gave up the ghost and the show had to be cancelled… :-(…
Soon it was time for the music to get under way. The lead put in a solid performance, even with the bizarre occurrence of their lead singer leaving the stage after the first song for "A dump"… only returning at song 4 as their guitarist struggled to be heard beneath walls of guitar.
Next, Dirty Thursday bowled in like the cloud of dust thrown up by the Tasmanian Devil cartoon and delighted their equally rowdy followers in the process… the evening was by the end of their set running a good 15 minutes late, but it was time for The Scratch…
With all the ups and downs of the evening, it was anyones guess what sort of show would be on offer, as it turned out the beaming and gorgeous faces of a deliciously 'lady heavy' crowd ensured that ultimate professionalism would be the order of the day… that and more than a dash of pathos, attitude and of course slapstick…
Kicking off with the newly revived Texture to the Flava the band were in their stride from the first chord… great reactions, followed great reaction as the assembled throng made the previous bands fans sound like nuns on a sponsored silence! Four newies ; Desire to be Thin, Biting on my lip, Weirder than we are and 88th day of rain were then rocketed one by one into the ether, with only a pause for a shout out for Lucy 'Fakers' Davies and her newly beloved Against the Grain… then it was a 'classic' hat-trick to finish…
An ecstatic Dear Maniac, smashed headlong into a punishing Teen Idol and then all too quickly it was time for the final number… with two of tonights celebrity guest Heartbreaks standing to the left front of the stage… Gas Taps saw probably it's finest hour to date… (If you can call utter chaos and stage destruction a finest hour?…) by the end of the 2 mins 20, all the monitors had been upended, mic stands lay like discarded swords on a battle field and Andy's once white jacket, was now at the very least a yellow, black and brown camouflage colour, at worst, an extreme dirty protest!… what a release, what a relief!
Illness and the weather had unfortunately deterred a few from making the trip, but those who did make it, I think will agree, they saw The Scratch finish 2010 with a great performance. There are two many of you as ever to thank individually, a special mention has to go to Hug(e)h Davenport, Tracy and girls for ignoring the weather warnings and making the long journey from Northampton, thanks too, to all of you amazing regulars who are there at every gig and also to all the virgins, (so great to see so many new faces again)… Final thanks to Luke and Rach from Juicebox for putting together a top bill.
And so it was left to The Heartbreaks to finish the night, take it from us, based on this performance, you can believe the hype and they were top blokes too.
That was almost it, but as they came to their last song, lead singer Matthew dedicated it to Juicebox and to The Scratch, "If their lead singer will come and do a stage dive for us"… well, what do you think happened next?
Red rag to a bull eh… if you want to see it for your own eyes… check out this link!… http://blog.thescratch.co.uk/
Have a great Christmas one and all and we'll see you again in 2011, listen out for us on 7th Jan when the Recharged Radio gremlins will be hung drawn and quartered live at The Church of Steve Honest!
The evening had started badly with Super almost getting stuck in Scotland, thankfully he managed to get a flight… but was delayed enough to miss the soundcheck, it made that part of a rollercoaster night surreal to say the least… next unwanted circumstance was the premature demise of the live Recharged Radio Stream of the Friday Forum show (and much publicised live broadcast of The Scratch's performance!)… it had started ok, Jordan had managed to interview Andy, setting the scene for what promised to be an exciting night of up and coming indie and new wave… but alas, within half an hour and despite the umpteenth reboot of the server the broadband gave up the ghost and the show had to be cancelled… :-(…
Soon it was time for the music to get under way. The lead put in a solid performance, even with the bizarre occurrence of their lead singer leaving the stage after the first song for "A dump"… only returning at song 4 as their guitarist struggled to be heard beneath walls of guitar.
Next, Dirty Thursday bowled in like the cloud of dust thrown up by the Tasmanian Devil cartoon and delighted their equally rowdy followers in the process… the evening was by the end of their set running a good 15 minutes late, but it was time for The Scratch…
With all the ups and downs of the evening, it was anyones guess what sort of show would be on offer, as it turned out the beaming and gorgeous faces of a deliciously 'lady heavy' crowd ensured that ultimate professionalism would be the order of the day… that and more than a dash of pathos, attitude and of course slapstick…
Kicking off with the newly revived Texture to the Flava the band were in their stride from the first chord… great reactions, followed great reaction as the assembled throng made the previous bands fans sound like nuns on a sponsored silence! Four newies ; Desire to be Thin, Biting on my lip, Weirder than we are and 88th day of rain were then rocketed one by one into the ether, with only a pause for a shout out for Lucy 'Fakers' Davies and her newly beloved Against the Grain… then it was a 'classic' hat-trick to finish…
An ecstatic Dear Maniac, smashed headlong into a punishing Teen Idol and then all too quickly it was time for the final number… with two of tonights celebrity guest Heartbreaks standing to the left front of the stage… Gas Taps saw probably it's finest hour to date… (If you can call utter chaos and stage destruction a finest hour?…) by the end of the 2 mins 20, all the monitors had been upended, mic stands lay like discarded swords on a battle field and Andy's once white jacket, was now at the very least a yellow, black and brown camouflage colour, at worst, an extreme dirty protest!… what a release, what a relief!
Illness and the weather had unfortunately deterred a few from making the trip, but those who did make it, I think will agree, they saw The Scratch finish 2010 with a great performance. There are two many of you as ever to thank individually, a special mention has to go to Hug(e)h Davenport, Tracy and girls for ignoring the weather warnings and making the long journey from Northampton, thanks too, to all of you amazing regulars who are there at every gig and also to all the virgins, (so great to see so many new faces again)… Final thanks to Luke and Rach from Juicebox for putting together a top bill.
And so it was left to The Heartbreaks to finish the night, take it from us, based on this performance, you can believe the hype and they were top blokes too.
That was almost it, but as they came to their last song, lead singer Matthew dedicated it to Juicebox and to The Scratch, "If their lead singer will come and do a stage dive for us"… well, what do you think happened next?
Red rag to a bull eh… if you want to see it for your own eyes… check out this link!… http://blog.thescratch.co.uk/
Have a great Christmas one and all and we'll see you again in 2011, listen out for us on 7th Jan when the Recharged Radio gremlins will be hung drawn and quartered live at The Church of Steve Honest!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Leicester Bangs - Still!
The Scratch – D.I.Y. (Ponyland Records)
Originally released in 2003, The Scratch’s D.I.Y. album looks older - more like a punk record that’s been lifted straight from that classic ’77-79 period, just before post-punk brought in the experimentalists and US hardcore rewrote the rules. Track titles like “I Relax To Spiral Scratch” and “X-Ray Eyes” don’t help, but get past the presentation and there’s a seriously good power pop / new wave record here trying to get out. Retro in feel, rather than slavishly derivative, D.I.Y. is certainly on nodding terms with the first wave of punk, but it draws from a host of other influences, too. The fore-mentioned “X-Ray Eyes” employs beats and acoustic guitars, and would feel equally at home alongside Sandinista period Clash or mid-phase Happy Mondays. “Rotten Soul” might well have crawled out of a ‘60s garage, dazed and confused, and “Back To Ten” is almost gentle. If any of this sounds interesting, be careful not to miss out this time.
www.myspace.com/thescratch
Rob F.
http://www.leicesterbangs.co.uk/oct10-16.html
Originally released in 2003, The Scratch’s D.I.Y. album looks older - more like a punk record that’s been lifted straight from that classic ’77-79 period, just before post-punk brought in the experimentalists and US hardcore rewrote the rules. Track titles like “I Relax To Spiral Scratch” and “X-Ray Eyes” don’t help, but get past the presentation and there’s a seriously good power pop / new wave record here trying to get out. Retro in feel, rather than slavishly derivative, D.I.Y. is certainly on nodding terms with the first wave of punk, but it draws from a host of other influences, too. The fore-mentioned “X-Ray Eyes” employs beats and acoustic guitars, and would feel equally at home alongside Sandinista period Clash or mid-phase Happy Mondays. “Rotten Soul” might well have crawled out of a ‘60s garage, dazed and confused, and “Back To Ten” is almost gentle. If any of this sounds interesting, be careful not to miss out this time.
www.myspace.com/thescratch
Rob F.
http://www.leicesterbangs.co.uk/oct10-16.html
God bless America!!!
Many thanks to Jonathan Zuckerman in the big apple for his review... We LOVE the the last line of the first paragraph best!
The Scratch: D.I.Y. By: Jonathan Zuckerman
It seems strange to re-release an album that was originally released only seven years ago, but when a band like The Scratch are doing so well in their native UK, maybe it is time to give their debut the ol’ re-master treatment. Though few people in the US are familiar with this band, they’ve earned five number one hit singles in the UK.
It’s that old story again though: a British band gets big at home, but find it difficult to crack into the American market. Blur were mega-stars at home, but are only known for one kind of wacky single in the U.S., which most critics attribute to their quintessential British-ness. The Scratch, I fear, may follow that same path, as they also sound pretty damn British.
The Scratch wear their musical influences on their sleeves. D.I.Y. kicks off with the awesome “I Relax to Spiral Scratch,” a tribute to the Buzzcocks. “Erotomaniac” sounds like Marc Bolan came back from the dead to lay down the vocals. “Alcohol’s a Depressant” is a particularly addictive glam rock gem with the great line, “Alcohol is a depressant but it helps me relieve my aggression.”
The album falters a bit though with the inclusion of several Madchester/Acid-House songs, which make the album feel completely uneven. Just be warned, The Scratch are more like two bands in one.
http://www.shortandsweetnyc.com/2010/11/the-scratch-d-i-y/
The Scratch: D.I.Y. By: Jonathan Zuckerman
It seems strange to re-release an album that was originally released only seven years ago, but when a band like The Scratch are doing so well in their native UK, maybe it is time to give their debut the ol’ re-master treatment. Though few people in the US are familiar with this band, they’ve earned five number one hit singles in the UK.
It’s that old story again though: a British band gets big at home, but find it difficult to crack into the American market. Blur were mega-stars at home, but are only known for one kind of wacky single in the U.S., which most critics attribute to their quintessential British-ness. The Scratch, I fear, may follow that same path, as they also sound pretty damn British.
The Scratch wear their musical influences on their sleeves. D.I.Y. kicks off with the awesome “I Relax to Spiral Scratch,” a tribute to the Buzzcocks. “Erotomaniac” sounds like Marc Bolan came back from the dead to lay down the vocals. “Alcohol’s a Depressant” is a particularly addictive glam rock gem with the great line, “Alcohol is a depressant but it helps me relieve my aggression.”
The album falters a bit though with the inclusion of several Madchester/Acid-House songs, which make the album feel completely uneven. Just be warned, The Scratch are more like two bands in one.
http://www.shortandsweetnyc.com/2010/11/the-scratch-d-i-y/
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Recharged Radio - Friday Forum
Friday night saw Andy's debut as a Radio presenter on Recharged Radio's Friday Forum, New Subs show. Assisted/nay guided by Jordan, Dave, the uber knowledgable Alex and Andy's specially drafted cohort Sam Vince. With guests: Alexis from Camden Calling (a collective who help homeless and vulnerable people access the arts and music scene), Jade Brightwell from The Playground, (the promoter and PR company, who recently put on The Scratch at 93 Feet East), who was brandishing a plastic skull signed by Gary Numan and Adam Ant (don't ask!, you'll have to hear the podcast!) and Lech from The Feel www.myspace.com/musictheFEEL (who's new album is the next thing in the ponyland cd player, when Andy has retreaved it from Super Sexy Sam's handbag!)
The Assembled crew then spent a highly enjoyable, (and hopefully entertaining?!) two hours listening too and commenting on the latest musical releases submitted to Recharged Radio this week... spiced with a little sparkling rose provided by Andy, more (non sparkling) rose from Jade and The Baron's favourite amber nectar provided by Alex! Lovely bubbly!!!!... time flew so quickly, it seemed only minutes had elapsed when suddenly it was time for Andy and Jordan to sign off at the end of the show, playing out to an absolute world exclusive first play of one of The Scratch's 'Weirder than we are', from the latest recording sessions (which sounded great Grim btw!)
If you missed it or more likely wanted to relive the excitement again ;-), you will be able to see how it went via itunes, early next week, watch out for a link in our next blog!
Then it was down to the extremely and uncharacteristically noisey Ship for more alcoholic enhancement, excellent musical chat and Alexis' boyfriends box of chocolates!...
Following a couple of hours of merriment, Andy and Sam left to visit Koko for the late night performance of new sensations (and former favourites of The Scratch Switches' new incarnation) Flash Fiktion...(that was a bit of a mouthful wasn't it!) If you aren't familiar with their last single Leni... you should be, so do so...
Then it was a freezing late night hike through a cabless Camden to an equally chilly Kentish Town, where amazingly the train arrived as if by magic and the evening was rounded off with chicken nuggets and chips, and a chicken wrapped in naan bread at the highly classy, but ever popular H&H by St.Albans City's station... a rock'n'roll night rounded off to perfection with a load of even drunker people, bouncers (yes at a kebab shop!) and a girl in sub zero conditions in the most micro mini, sleeveless lacy number Andy has ever seen!
Thanks to everyone who made the whole night such a blast! (Especially Sam for not once whinging about the cold or the long walk! and Matt for his (very) late night taxi ride, very much appreciated both!)
The Assembled crew then spent a highly enjoyable, (and hopefully entertaining?!) two hours listening too and commenting on the latest musical releases submitted to Recharged Radio this week... spiced with a little sparkling rose provided by Andy, more (non sparkling) rose from Jade and The Baron's favourite amber nectar provided by Alex! Lovely bubbly!!!!... time flew so quickly, it seemed only minutes had elapsed when suddenly it was time for Andy and Jordan to sign off at the end of the show, playing out to an absolute world exclusive first play of one of The Scratch's 'Weirder than we are', from the latest recording sessions (which sounded great Grim btw!)
If you missed it or more likely wanted to relive the excitement again ;-), you will be able to see how it went via itunes, early next week, watch out for a link in our next blog!
Then it was down to the extremely and uncharacteristically noisey Ship for more alcoholic enhancement, excellent musical chat and Alexis' boyfriends box of chocolates!...
Following a couple of hours of merriment, Andy and Sam left to visit Koko for the late night performance of new sensations (and former favourites of The Scratch Switches' new incarnation) Flash Fiktion...(that was a bit of a mouthful wasn't it!) If you aren't familiar with their last single Leni... you should be, so do so...
Then it was a freezing late night hike through a cabless Camden to an equally chilly Kentish Town, where amazingly the train arrived as if by magic and the evening was rounded off with chicken nuggets and chips, and a chicken wrapped in naan bread at the highly classy, but ever popular H&H by St.Albans City's station... a rock'n'roll night rounded off to perfection with a load of even drunker people, bouncers (yes at a kebab shop!) and a girl in sub zero conditions in the most micro mini, sleeveless lacy number Andy has ever seen!
Thanks to everyone who made the whole night such a blast! (Especially Sam for not once whinging about the cold or the long walk! and Matt for his (very) late night taxi ride, very much appreciated both!)
Saturday, November 6, 2010
SpursSimon reviews our performance at the 50ft Woman show on Thursday
Many thanks to SpursSimon for his review of our gig on Thursday night at Minki's excellent launch party...
"I was lucky enough to be invited to the launch of the Menage a Trois EP by the band 50ft Woman which was in London last night (Thursday 4th) so went along with the good wife and her trusty camera. Due to the usual delays on trains, and then my usual man way of finding the venue which is to continue walking for ages and hope it appears, we were slightly late getting there, but fortunately arrived just as a band started.
The Scratch kicked off with a cracking set pulled from their career, focusing on the re-released DIY as reviewed here. It was some time before I glanced down at the singers shoes, and if there is anyone who can pull off wearing white platforms on a Thursday it is Andy Scratch.
A really energetic set certainly got the crowd going, and I have to say that a quality band on recordings these guys need to be seen live to get the full experience.
They neatly fit into the definition of "Rock 'n' Roll" - songs that start 1,2,3,4 and end with a proper ending, not just drifting off. Take the good bits of punk, sprinkle in some new wave and add a lead singer with a clear bit of glam / mod roots and that is The Scratch live. I Relax To Spiral Scratch was the highlight of the set for me, but the sight of Andy diving onto to and then singing while sprawled over the length of the bar while managing to still somehow look cool was the memory that I think the wife will have, especially as she didn't see him coming.
The wife's review was "He's barking mad".
Always gigging around and about, try and see them if you want a great night out."
Great stuff Simon much appreciated for the full review of the whole night just click here
http://spurssimon.blogspot.com/2010/11/party-with-50ft-woman.html..
Read more: http://www.myspace.com/thescratch/blog?bID=540433231#ixzz14WtOWybL
"I was lucky enough to be invited to the launch of the Menage a Trois EP by the band 50ft Woman which was in London last night (Thursday 4th) so went along with the good wife and her trusty camera. Due to the usual delays on trains, and then my usual man way of finding the venue which is to continue walking for ages and hope it appears, we were slightly late getting there, but fortunately arrived just as a band started.
The Scratch kicked off with a cracking set pulled from their career, focusing on the re-released DIY as reviewed here. It was some time before I glanced down at the singers shoes, and if there is anyone who can pull off wearing white platforms on a Thursday it is Andy Scratch.
A really energetic set certainly got the crowd going, and I have to say that a quality band on recordings these guys need to be seen live to get the full experience.
They neatly fit into the definition of "Rock 'n' Roll" - songs that start 1,2,3,4 and end with a proper ending, not just drifting off. Take the good bits of punk, sprinkle in some new wave and add a lead singer with a clear bit of glam / mod roots and that is The Scratch live. I Relax To Spiral Scratch was the highlight of the set for me, but the sight of Andy diving onto to and then singing while sprawled over the length of the bar while managing to still somehow look cool was the memory that I think the wife will have, especially as she didn't see him coming.
The wife's review was "He's barking mad".
Always gigging around and about, try and see them if you want a great night out."
Great stuff Simon much appreciated for the full review of the whole night just click here
http://spurssimon.blogspot.com/2010/11/party-with-50ft-woman.html..
Read more: http://www.myspace.com/thescratch/blog?bID=540433231#ixzz14WtOWybL
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