Dear Scratchers,
Wow what a night down the Horn on Thursday... the place was absolutely 'chocca' for the NSPCC Charity night organised by Andy and Whitty - (In Partnership with no-one)... 5 acts were crammed into an adrenalin rush of an evening, that included excellent sets from Whitty (solo, but with less attitude from less Stella!) and Cobra 'White worm' Kai... who despite having their suits 'trumped', weighed in with a great cover of one of Andy's all time fave Nirvana tracks 'About a Girl') Whitty also joined The Scratch on stage for finale track 'Out Faking the Fakers' and for a cameo role as 'Santa Barry', during Against the Grain. Despite the Baron rupturing his shoulder ligaments the band played with its usual ferocious intent, mixing it up a little for the 'diehards' with Independent Unrepentant getting a welcome airing and the ever popular Girls World 'popping up' for a boogie. Another big highlight was seeing Hugh and Mrs Hugh Davenport before (and after)... must have been ok then Mr.D ?!?
Huge thanks to Tina (doing the usual Manchester dash!) and everyone who turned up to make it a great night ... with over £750 made for the Charity too... The only minor panic on the night were the usual lost property, this time totaling, two coats, one phone, one set of keys and the fairy lights John had adorned his bass with... oh and Andy's new tonic suit strides of course, that following a particularly over zealous leap towards the Vince girls in the front row of the crowd, split his seam from here to breakfast time!!! Thank God for the last minute decision not to go Commando!
Can't wait for '09 now! We love you all and you know it you freaks!
xxx
Friday, December 19, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Scratching A Hometown Itch - Herts Advertiser
Dear Scratchers,
Here is the result of an interview Charlotte at the Herts Ad newspaper gave Andy... a few of the facts appear to have been, how can we say 'misinterprited'... but hell, why let the truth get in the way of successful story! Thanks Charlotte...
Scratching A Hometown Itch
16:37 - 04 December 2008
PUNCHY pop band The Scratch have returned from a nationwide tour and are now determined to conquer their home town of St Albans.
John Viney, Andy Thompson, Andy Grimwood and The Baron met in St Albans and have been playing together for seven years. With two albums under their belt and performances at gigs all over the country, the band have collected a strong basis of teenybopper support and celebrity fans such as Goldblade's John Robb.
But it all began with performances at St Albans pubs and lead singer Andy Thompson felt that it was about time they returned to their roots. He said: "We want to concentrate on being a St Albans band at the moment and winning fans from our home town. Our city produces great bands year after year and we're hoping we'll be the next ones to make it big!"
The band, who have performed alongside acts such as Noel Gallagher and Paul Weller, describe their music as funky pop laced with a bit of punk and include The Blur among their list of inspirational artists. They have played live sessions on radio stations such as XFM, when DJ Clint Boon praised their, "ace tunes and great spirit" and predicted that they'd go all the way.
The St Albans born and bred rockers spent last month filming here for their most recent single, Against the Grain, and they have also committed themselves to a weekly performance at The Horn starting in 2009, where they'll also play a special charity gig on December 18.
Against the Grain will be released next month and you can find out more about The Scratch and their up-and-coming performances at www.thescratch.co.uk
Here is the result of an interview Charlotte at the Herts Ad newspaper gave Andy... a few of the facts appear to have been, how can we say 'misinterprited'... but hell, why let the truth get in the way of successful story! Thanks Charlotte...
Scratching A Hometown Itch
16:37 - 04 December 2008
PUNCHY pop band The Scratch have returned from a nationwide tour and are now determined to conquer their home town of St Albans.
John Viney, Andy Thompson, Andy Grimwood and The Baron met in St Albans and have been playing together for seven years. With two albums under their belt and performances at gigs all over the country, the band have collected a strong basis of teenybopper support and celebrity fans such as Goldblade's John Robb.
But it all began with performances at St Albans pubs and lead singer Andy Thompson felt that it was about time they returned to their roots. He said: "We want to concentrate on being a St Albans band at the moment and winning fans from our home town. Our city produces great bands year after year and we're hoping we'll be the next ones to make it big!"
The band, who have performed alongside acts such as Noel Gallagher and Paul Weller, describe their music as funky pop laced with a bit of punk and include The Blur among their list of inspirational artists. They have played live sessions on radio stations such as XFM, when DJ Clint Boon praised their, "ace tunes and great spirit" and predicted that they'd go all the way.
The St Albans born and bred rockers spent last month filming here for their most recent single, Against the Grain, and they have also committed themselves to a weekly performance at The Horn starting in 2009, where they'll also play a special charity gig on December 18.
Against the Grain will be released next month and you can find out more about The Scratch and their up-and-coming performances at www.thescratch.co.uk
Classic Punk Spirit is still alive - William Eastment - Student Direct Magazine
Dear Scratchers,
We've just received a review from Student Direct Magazine in Manchester of our live show in Salford in October, big thanks to William Eastment for his thoughts...
"Independent Unrepentant." That's how the Scratch see themselves. They are doing their won thing and they want you to come along. If you don't want to, well it's no skin off their nose. They'll probably just keep partying.
It's the kind of attitude that comes from winning XFM unsigned, and playing to 20,000 people one week and 20 the next at a local boozer. Asked about their experience at the MEN Arena opening for Noel Gallagher, they didn't seem fazed. "yeah, Noel Gallagher, Paul Weller, Ian Brown," they name drop nonchalantly. "It was all right" 20 or 20,000, it don't matter to these boys. They are just here to play and entertain. They arent driven by success, but by the will to just have a good time, a refreshing attitude in an industry that takes itself way too seriously. The Scratch are in high spirits tonight. Having just played 'In the City' earlier in the week, they are excited about the gig, but with stage time approaching, the venue is sparsely populated. Talk thus turns to the experience of playing high profile events such as 'In the City' whether they'll hit the big time or not: "What is the big time, you know? IS it TV, radio and hit singles or is it being in a band doing what you want to do? If you look at it in that respect, we are, in our minds, in the big time." Asked if it was more about having fans at the gigs, their response is decisive: "Absolutely. We're going to give away our four EP's next year... we're on our own label and we've got a dedicated fan base." With no record company pressure they are free to enjoy what makes being in a band so enjoyable - playing live.
That's not to say they want to stay out of the limelight, perpetually keeping themselves in the shadows of the musical underbelly. Entering and winning XFM unsigned and playing 'In the City' with its high media presence, this is a band living out their fantasies, but with aspirations of stardom. " Our hopes for tonight are to expose ourselves to the like of you (the media)," they say before breaking into raucous laughter at the innudendo.
Musically, like most acts they don't want to be pigeon holed. They have been compared to everyone from the Small FAces and the Libertines through to the Buzzcocks, The Damned and Human League. When asked about influences and inspirations, they are quick to move away from what has been said about them: "A lot of the time people will read and review and then judge us on the basis of what they've read, and a lot has been made of the Buzzcock's thing. If they came to see us, maybe they'd have a different perspective?"
And that is what this band is all about. Playing live in a raw, unadulterated style tonight, in front of what can be described as no more than a handful of people, they are completely in their element. It might be more a case of middle-age and mortgages than safety pins and revolution, but do-it-yourself attitude of the late 70's is well and truly alive in this group, who have released all their material to date on their own Ponyland records label and give away their albums on stage. When asked to sum up the band earlier, they struggled to find the right words. But on stage between songs, they found an appropriate tagline. "You're here; most of you are here for free. But you're pissed, and you're having a good time, what more could you want?"
Big thanks Will. Hopefully see you again soon.
The Scratch
xx
We've just received a review from Student Direct Magazine in Manchester of our live show in Salford in October, big thanks to William Eastment for his thoughts...
"Independent Unrepentant." That's how the Scratch see themselves. They are doing their won thing and they want you to come along. If you don't want to, well it's no skin off their nose. They'll probably just keep partying.
It's the kind of attitude that comes from winning XFM unsigned, and playing to 20,000 people one week and 20 the next at a local boozer. Asked about their experience at the MEN Arena opening for Noel Gallagher, they didn't seem fazed. "yeah, Noel Gallagher, Paul Weller, Ian Brown," they name drop nonchalantly. "It was all right" 20 or 20,000, it don't matter to these boys. They are just here to play and entertain. They arent driven by success, but by the will to just have a good time, a refreshing attitude in an industry that takes itself way too seriously. The Scratch are in high spirits tonight. Having just played 'In the City' earlier in the week, they are excited about the gig, but with stage time approaching, the venue is sparsely populated. Talk thus turns to the experience of playing high profile events such as 'In the City' whether they'll hit the big time or not: "What is the big time, you know? IS it TV, radio and hit singles or is it being in a band doing what you want to do? If you look at it in that respect, we are, in our minds, in the big time." Asked if it was more about having fans at the gigs, their response is decisive: "Absolutely. We're going to give away our four EP's next year... we're on our own label and we've got a dedicated fan base." With no record company pressure they are free to enjoy what makes being in a band so enjoyable - playing live.
That's not to say they want to stay out of the limelight, perpetually keeping themselves in the shadows of the musical underbelly. Entering and winning XFM unsigned and playing 'In the City' with its high media presence, this is a band living out their fantasies, but with aspirations of stardom. " Our hopes for tonight are to expose ourselves to the like of you (the media)," they say before breaking into raucous laughter at the innudendo.
Musically, like most acts they don't want to be pigeon holed. They have been compared to everyone from the Small FAces and the Libertines through to the Buzzcocks, The Damned and Human League. When asked about influences and inspirations, they are quick to move away from what has been said about them: "A lot of the time people will read and review and then judge us on the basis of what they've read, and a lot has been made of the Buzzcock's thing. If they came to see us, maybe they'd have a different perspective?"
And that is what this band is all about. Playing live in a raw, unadulterated style tonight, in front of what can be described as no more than a handful of people, they are completely in their element. It might be more a case of middle-age and mortgages than safety pins and revolution, but do-it-yourself attitude of the late 70's is well and truly alive in this group, who have released all their material to date on their own Ponyland records label and give away their albums on stage. When asked to sum up the band earlier, they struggled to find the right words. But on stage between songs, they found an appropriate tagline. "You're here; most of you are here for free. But you're pissed, and you're having a good time, what more could you want?"
Big thanks Will. Hopefully see you again soon.
The Scratch
xx
Friday, November 28, 2008
WE want the World as long as it's YOU Shaped
The Scratch ripped into another hi-octane set at the Horn on Thursday night, a set bristling with pathos, angst, fire and the odd cheeky wink!… just another normal night in Scratchville! Both newies, YWTW and the sleazy freakshow went down a storm with Against the Grain, Spiral Scratch and Dear Maniac the pick of the bunch in a triumphant return to home soil…
massive thanks to all of the crazy fools, who we know (and the ones we don’t) and love for more amazing support last night at the Horn, it was great to get out and blow away the cobwebs and great to finally play a Thrashville Night… thanks to Grae and Bill once again. Herford, Manchester, Ware, Stevenage, Milton Keynes and of course St.Albans… the list is endless and awe inspiring the lengths you go to support us… One more gig to go now for 08, so hopefully see you all back at the Horn on 18th Dec for our charity extravaganza!!!! It's gonna be huge!
Keep your eyes and ears peeled for our forthcoming video and special Christmas message! Plus a special early 09 Scratch night on the Eclectic Plectrum Parade radio show...
You guys give us the Horn and you know it !
x
massive thanks to all of the crazy fools, who we know (and the ones we don’t) and love for more amazing support last night at the Horn, it was great to get out and blow away the cobwebs and great to finally play a Thrashville Night… thanks to Grae and Bill once again. Herford, Manchester, Ware, Stevenage, Milton Keynes and of course St.Albans… the list is endless and awe inspiring the lengths you go to support us… One more gig to go now for 08, so hopefully see you all back at the Horn on 18th Dec for our charity extravaganza!!!! It's gonna be huge!
Keep your eyes and ears peeled for our forthcoming video and special Christmas message! Plus a special early 09 Scratch night on the Eclectic Plectrum Parade radio show...
You guys give us the Horn and you know it !
x
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Shock Radio Salford - Review of our recent Pint Pot gig
The Scratch, The Ambush @ The Old Pint Pot, 16/10 2008
Reviewed By Hardy Funk
Every time I’ve been passing the Old Pint Pot on my way to town I was saying to myself I should check it out and have a couple of pints with a good friend there. And every time I was thinking a club called the Old Pint Pot should add an e to the old. But spelling it the way they do makes perfect sense because inside just as from the outside everything looks exactly like an old pint pot should, only in a very polished, clean and new way. Features like that usually not an indication for a good and authentic pub the Pot disproves this simple equation: there’s good music, straight from The Sonics to the best of punkrock, and the bartender is just as nice as a bartender needs to be.
That said there’s one thing that didn’t live up to expectations: there’s hardly any paying guest present; the audience is almost exclusively made up of the two bands, The Scratch’s manager, the soundman (in this case a woman), me and another guy reviewing the gig for Student Direct. So this is one of those gigs bands rave about when they’re finally playing stadiums boasting about how they gave it everything. And there actually seems to be a lot of truth in those statements.
The Ambush, a Mancunian five piece band, start with two energetic songs that blend, like most of their songs, pop punk and indie. Their drive is in large parts due to the singer, who jumps and walks around as much as the small stage allows only to be standing still and howling at the ceiling with closed eyes in the next moment. When he actually kneels down to sing I find myself thinking “Why ain’t I this guy?” and chances are one reason is I can’t do the things he can do with his voice. Shortly interrupted by mic problems they go on, never losing their pace. On their fifth or sixth song they even add a sax and just when the unavoidable sax solo has started and I’m thinking “that’s unnecessary now” the singer gets his harmonica and they get real bluesy and raunchy. What a perfect band for a small pub like this.
Roughly an hour after The Ambush started playing The Scratch take over the stage and make clear from the start that they take the small audience just as serious as their predecessors. A classic two guitars, bass and drum lineup this St. Alban based band has just recently played at In The City and even performed in front of 20.000 people at Manchester’s MEN Arena last year. So they are used to bigger crowds than this one.
Their amazing energy is much more in the songs, but then again, power chords just knock my socks off no matter how often I’ve heard them. Many songs are not much longer than two minutes (at least that’s what they feel like), which is all punkrock is about as far as I am concerned. Besides, reviving the spirit of the best of kicking 70s punkrock is all this band is about. Listening to the CD now I can partly see where the comparisons with The Buzzcocks come from but live they sounded a lot more like The Vibrators, if with an indie edge. And there isn’t actually a lot you would miss on a Vibrators gig if The Scratch were playing instead. It’s powerful, intense music delivered with all heart that makes you wish you were in a sweaty club crowded with people you could pogo dance with. Pretty much towards the end of the set singer Andy Thompson, who has been including pretty much everyone present in his comments inbetween songs, sums up the evening saying “You’re here. Gettin’ pissed. What more could you want?!”
That leaves me only to say that both bands are real nice as well, the kind of guys you’d be sure to find at the bar after the gig, happy to have a pint and chat with you. And next time you hear a big band telling you how they played until their fingers bleeded in front of 10 people you better believe them.
http://www.thescratch.co.uk
http://www.myspace.com/anambush
Reviewed By Hardy Funk
Every time I’ve been passing the Old Pint Pot on my way to town I was saying to myself I should check it out and have a couple of pints with a good friend there. And every time I was thinking a club called the Old Pint Pot should add an e to the old. But spelling it the way they do makes perfect sense because inside just as from the outside everything looks exactly like an old pint pot should, only in a very polished, clean and new way. Features like that usually not an indication for a good and authentic pub the Pot disproves this simple equation: there’s good music, straight from The Sonics to the best of punkrock, and the bartender is just as nice as a bartender needs to be.
That said there’s one thing that didn’t live up to expectations: there’s hardly any paying guest present; the audience is almost exclusively made up of the two bands, The Scratch’s manager, the soundman (in this case a woman), me and another guy reviewing the gig for Student Direct. So this is one of those gigs bands rave about when they’re finally playing stadiums boasting about how they gave it everything. And there actually seems to be a lot of truth in those statements.
The Ambush, a Mancunian five piece band, start with two energetic songs that blend, like most of their songs, pop punk and indie. Their drive is in large parts due to the singer, who jumps and walks around as much as the small stage allows only to be standing still and howling at the ceiling with closed eyes in the next moment. When he actually kneels down to sing I find myself thinking “Why ain’t I this guy?” and chances are one reason is I can’t do the things he can do with his voice. Shortly interrupted by mic problems they go on, never losing their pace. On their fifth or sixth song they even add a sax and just when the unavoidable sax solo has started and I’m thinking “that’s unnecessary now” the singer gets his harmonica and they get real bluesy and raunchy. What a perfect band for a small pub like this.
Roughly an hour after The Ambush started playing The Scratch take over the stage and make clear from the start that they take the small audience just as serious as their predecessors. A classic two guitars, bass and drum lineup this St. Alban based band has just recently played at In The City and even performed in front of 20.000 people at Manchester’s MEN Arena last year. So they are used to bigger crowds than this one.
Their amazing energy is much more in the songs, but then again, power chords just knock my socks off no matter how often I’ve heard them. Many songs are not much longer than two minutes (at least that’s what they feel like), which is all punkrock is about as far as I am concerned. Besides, reviving the spirit of the best of kicking 70s punkrock is all this band is about. Listening to the CD now I can partly see where the comparisons with The Buzzcocks come from but live they sounded a lot more like The Vibrators, if with an indie edge. And there isn’t actually a lot you would miss on a Vibrators gig if The Scratch were playing instead. It’s powerful, intense music delivered with all heart that makes you wish you were in a sweaty club crowded with people you could pogo dance with. Pretty much towards the end of the set singer Andy Thompson, who has been including pretty much everyone present in his comments inbetween songs, sums up the evening saying “You’re here. Gettin’ pissed. What more could you want?!”
That leaves me only to say that both bands are real nice as well, the kind of guys you’d be sure to find at the bar after the gig, happy to have a pint and chat with you. And next time you hear a big band telling you how they played until their fingers bleeded in front of 10 people you better believe them.
http://www.thescratch.co.uk
http://www.myspace.com/anambush
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
ITC Review from St.Albans Arts Council
St Albans bands conquer 'In The City' On Monday October 6, 3 bands featuring musicians from the St Albans district performed at the UK's premier music industry conference and showcase, "In The City".
SAASH Arts set up the showcase as part of their Verulam Underground initiative, supporting the professional developments of artists from the St Albans district, and the attending acts were chosen by a panel of local promoters. The venue chosen was the award winning One Central, in the heart of Manchester's club district - lending itself ideally to a live showcase - complete with an over enthusiastic mouse managing to take perfect aim at the trouser leg of Scratch front-man Andy!
With the unenviable opening slot were punk-pop-glam stalwarts The Scratch who rose to the task with aplomb, delivering a raucous up-tempo set with big choruses, synchronised star jumps and a voodoo back beat. The band had arrived early at the conference and engaged in some top level schmoozing, attracting a BBC interview and the attentions of A-list alternative mavericks such as Clint Boon and John Robb. A good number of delegates arrived with an interested eye, along with a contingent of enthusiastic local fans.
Andy from The Scratch explains: "In the City is a bit like being a starving lion (all the bands), locked in a glass cage, surrounded by herd upon herd of juicy wildebeest, all dressed in masquerade ball masks (the mysterious people in the know) roaming tantalisingly just outside the locked door. Thanks to SAASH we are now in possession of more clues of where to find the key to open it. There is no live event like it, giving bands such opportunities of meeting the right people."
Next up were young mod-pop-rock pack The Culture who arrived with a Radio 1 demo of the week under their belt. The band proceeded to hit the previous night's showcase gigs with a big attitude and a fistful of flyers attracting a strong attendance, with a particularly keen interest from a large posse of female delegates! Their hook-laden, caustic and edgy set was well received with its distinctly contemporary and dance-floor friendly vibe.
Last up were Kerrang! And Rock Sound approved Verra Cruz whose distinctive and unique take on blues-rock had clearly caused a stir around In The City with a number of delegates ticking them off as a must-see for the event. Utilising lap-steel as well as regular guitar, front-man Jimmy attacks his strings with a passion and vitriol rarely witnessed, yet manages to draw both plaintive melancholy and angsty aggression from the instruments. Their sound is at once classic, taking in elements ranging from Howling Wolf to Led Zeppelin, and yet distinctly fresh. The rapturous applause between numbers was interspersed with studied jaw dropping silence as the audience unanimously observed with genuine awe.
As a whole, the acts provided an excellent example of the diversity and quality of acts performing in and around St Albans which will ultimately keep some keen industry attention focused on the area.
This opportunity was being provided as part of the "Verulam Underground" project which seeks to showcase and aid professional development for bands and musicians in the St Albans District.
In The City is the UK's premier music industry conference and showcase event which has helped develop the career of such bands as Oasis, The Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk, Coldplay, The Darkness, Nine Black Alps, Arctic Monkeys and many more. Set up by Manchester's top music entrepreneur, the late Tony Wilson, ITC regularly sees representatives from every corner of the UK music industry (as well as many international delegates) descend on central Manchester for 3 days of debate, and more importantly checking out new acts at the ITC Unsigned Showcase gigs.
This project is provided by St Albans City and District Council and managed by the Arts Team at St. Albans Arts, Sport and Health - the development arm of Leisure Connection.
Full details of In The City can be found at www.inthecity.co.uk
As well as www.leisureinstalbans.co.uk details can be found at the www.myspace.com/saasharts site. Also here one can find details of other music events and projects in the district.
.... it was defiantely a rat btw!
x
SAASH Arts set up the showcase as part of their Verulam Underground initiative, supporting the professional developments of artists from the St Albans district, and the attending acts were chosen by a panel of local promoters. The venue chosen was the award winning One Central, in the heart of Manchester's club district - lending itself ideally to a live showcase - complete with an over enthusiastic mouse managing to take perfect aim at the trouser leg of Scratch front-man Andy!
With the unenviable opening slot were punk-pop-glam stalwarts The Scratch who rose to the task with aplomb, delivering a raucous up-tempo set with big choruses, synchronised star jumps and a voodoo back beat. The band had arrived early at the conference and engaged in some top level schmoozing, attracting a BBC interview and the attentions of A-list alternative mavericks such as Clint Boon and John Robb. A good number of delegates arrived with an interested eye, along with a contingent of enthusiastic local fans.
Andy from The Scratch explains: "In the City is a bit like being a starving lion (all the bands), locked in a glass cage, surrounded by herd upon herd of juicy wildebeest, all dressed in masquerade ball masks (the mysterious people in the know) roaming tantalisingly just outside the locked door. Thanks to SAASH we are now in possession of more clues of where to find the key to open it. There is no live event like it, giving bands such opportunities of meeting the right people."
Next up were young mod-pop-rock pack The Culture who arrived with a Radio 1 demo of the week under their belt. The band proceeded to hit the previous night's showcase gigs with a big attitude and a fistful of flyers attracting a strong attendance, with a particularly keen interest from a large posse of female delegates! Their hook-laden, caustic and edgy set was well received with its distinctly contemporary and dance-floor friendly vibe.
Last up were Kerrang! And Rock Sound approved Verra Cruz whose distinctive and unique take on blues-rock had clearly caused a stir around In The City with a number of delegates ticking them off as a must-see for the event. Utilising lap-steel as well as regular guitar, front-man Jimmy attacks his strings with a passion and vitriol rarely witnessed, yet manages to draw both plaintive melancholy and angsty aggression from the instruments. Their sound is at once classic, taking in elements ranging from Howling Wolf to Led Zeppelin, and yet distinctly fresh. The rapturous applause between numbers was interspersed with studied jaw dropping silence as the audience unanimously observed with genuine awe.
As a whole, the acts provided an excellent example of the diversity and quality of acts performing in and around St Albans which will ultimately keep some keen industry attention focused on the area.
This opportunity was being provided as part of the "Verulam Underground" project which seeks to showcase and aid professional development for bands and musicians in the St Albans District.
In The City is the UK's premier music industry conference and showcase event which has helped develop the career of such bands as Oasis, The Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk, Coldplay, The Darkness, Nine Black Alps, Arctic Monkeys and many more. Set up by Manchester's top music entrepreneur, the late Tony Wilson, ITC regularly sees representatives from every corner of the UK music industry (as well as many international delegates) descend on central Manchester for 3 days of debate, and more importantly checking out new acts at the ITC Unsigned Showcase gigs.
This project is provided by St Albans City and District Council and managed by the Arts Team at St. Albans Arts, Sport and Health - the development arm of Leisure Connection.
Full details of In The City can be found at www.inthecity.co.uk
As well as www.leisureinstalbans.co.uk details can be found at the www.myspace.com/saasharts site. Also here one can find details of other music events and projects in the district.
.... it was defiantely a rat btw!
x
Saturday, October 18, 2008
An evening of New DIY music - Salford, Manchester
The Satnav ‘woman’ was going apeshit. “Do a u-turn, turn left, turn right, do a u-turn at the earliest opportunity…” (Well, to be fair to her, she had been shouting largely ignored, for the best part of the 7 hours of our arduous latest Northern sojourn, as we detoured round and round the many of the Shires of middle England). A seven car pile up on the M1 and the closed Junction 14 on the M6, had meant our journey time had been double what it should’ve been. Life on the road eh…
We’d organised the gig at the Pint Pot in Salford remotely, through an ex-work colleague, whose mysteriously elusive sister ran the pub. (in fact she was almost Wizard of Oz like in her mythicality, we never did actually meet the power behind the throne!).
We eventually arrived in drizzly Salford after picking up our Tina and the remaining equipment, just 20 minutes before the doors were due to open.
Laura the hired ‘sound’ had been set up for 3 hours, the Baron who had driven up separately had been here for an hour and all members of the Ambush (our excellent co-conspirators) and other halves beat us by 45 minutes.
Still, honed as we are, it only took a further 10 minutes to be set up and soundchecked. While the Ambush did theirs, Tina introduced us to The youthful Will of Cricklewood (sounds like a character from Robin Hood!, but his name was Will and he was originally from that particular London suburb). Will on his virgin interview for Student Direct magazine, fired some great questions and recorded the sometimes four way replies diligently on his mobile phone before posing with the band for a couple of snaps.
The Ambush took to the stage at 9.20 and were straight into their unique skewed country, funk, jazz experimentation. It was great to see them again. We’d asked lead singer Steve if he and the guys would be interested in doing a joint gig, back in December 07, when we’d been on the same bill at the Dry Bar. Tonight it finally happened. Theirs was a 30 minute set of Sax, blues harp, kazoo, beetle like rolling around on their backs on the floor and the kind of uplifting grooves that would have got Dougie Barder stomping his feet! The highlight though was their great finale track Blackspot, a track I urge you to investigate and download from their myspace.com/theambush… as soon as you can, ‘cos it’s brilliant.
20 minutes later and The Scratch took to the stage, I Relax to Spiral Scratch seemed an appropriate start. (Despite Andy moving the middle 8 without telling anyone, no-one seemed to mind?!) and a jerky crazed set exploded into the room. Tonight’s highlights were; some seriously good audience toe tapping on ‘Girls’ World’, Undertonesque newie ‘You want the world’ and next single (the soon to be released, please keep checking our sites for updates) ‘Against the Grain’. As the set reached it’s climax, the small PA monitors appeared to be straining a little on Andy’s exactingly loud mix requirements, as his voice was reduced to a hoarse and whorey bark for finale Dear Maniac. However as with the two recent outings at The Horn and In the City, the band played an absolute blinder. Pumping John, Thwacking Baron and Spikey Twiddly Grim (were Superhero’s (weirdo’s?) to a man). And that was that. The Scratch/Tina Arena’s first self promoted evening of ‘New DIY music’.
A big thanks goes out to Hardy and mate who turned up from local student Radio Station Shock, to review the gig, and who instigated a great debate on the best ever punk band. The Pistols defeated the Clash, despite Will’s spirited Clash pitch. Also thanks to Alison, Tina’s mate, who only heard about the gig when Clint announced it on XFM the previous evening, big thanks for the plug(s) Mr.Boon. Other shouts go out to Toni (and family), Lucy and Clod who took turns in doing the door for us. The girls looked amazing in their customised Scratch t-shirts. GGGRRRR!!!!!
Also, big thanks to The Ambush boys for a great performance. (Hopefully we can make good our promise of a St.Albans date in ‘09). Thanks to Laura for a great sound and the tips of other local venues you think would suit The Scratch. Then of course Superman Steve Whitty who also endured the 7 hour journey (mainly by munching his way through a giant packed lunch) and who took some really great pics of both bands (see our myspace site soon) and last but never ever least, our Tina, who liaised, cajoled, and harangued in her own inimitable way to make the whole night happen and who arranged for Will and Hardy to come down to do their reviews (as soon as we get them, they’ll up for you to read here)… Star as ever gaffer!
Final mention has to go to Grim who drove for a total of 10 hours to do the gig, arriving home at 3am on Friday morning and then having to get up for work! It ain’t all sex and drugs and rock’n’roll you know being in a band!
See you at the Comedy on 19th November, where all your favourite stars will return to do the whole show again!
xx
We’d organised the gig at the Pint Pot in Salford remotely, through an ex-work colleague, whose mysteriously elusive sister ran the pub. (in fact she was almost Wizard of Oz like in her mythicality, we never did actually meet the power behind the throne!).
We eventually arrived in drizzly Salford after picking up our Tina and the remaining equipment, just 20 minutes before the doors were due to open.
Laura the hired ‘sound’ had been set up for 3 hours, the Baron who had driven up separately had been here for an hour and all members of the Ambush (our excellent co-conspirators) and other halves beat us by 45 minutes.
Still, honed as we are, it only took a further 10 minutes to be set up and soundchecked. While the Ambush did theirs, Tina introduced us to The youthful Will of Cricklewood (sounds like a character from Robin Hood!, but his name was Will and he was originally from that particular London suburb). Will on his virgin interview for Student Direct magazine, fired some great questions and recorded the sometimes four way replies diligently on his mobile phone before posing with the band for a couple of snaps.
The Ambush took to the stage at 9.20 and were straight into their unique skewed country, funk, jazz experimentation. It was great to see them again. We’d asked lead singer Steve if he and the guys would be interested in doing a joint gig, back in December 07, when we’d been on the same bill at the Dry Bar. Tonight it finally happened. Theirs was a 30 minute set of Sax, blues harp, kazoo, beetle like rolling around on their backs on the floor and the kind of uplifting grooves that would have got Dougie Barder stomping his feet! The highlight though was their great finale track Blackspot, a track I urge you to investigate and download from their myspace.com/theambush… as soon as you can, ‘cos it’s brilliant.
20 minutes later and The Scratch took to the stage, I Relax to Spiral Scratch seemed an appropriate start. (Despite Andy moving the middle 8 without telling anyone, no-one seemed to mind?!) and a jerky crazed set exploded into the room. Tonight’s highlights were; some seriously good audience toe tapping on ‘Girls’ World’, Undertonesque newie ‘You want the world’ and next single (the soon to be released, please keep checking our sites for updates) ‘Against the Grain’. As the set reached it’s climax, the small PA monitors appeared to be straining a little on Andy’s exactingly loud mix requirements, as his voice was reduced to a hoarse and whorey bark for finale Dear Maniac. However as with the two recent outings at The Horn and In the City, the band played an absolute blinder. Pumping John, Thwacking Baron and Spikey Twiddly Grim (were Superhero’s (weirdo’s?) to a man). And that was that. The Scratch/Tina Arena’s first self promoted evening of ‘New DIY music’.
A big thanks goes out to Hardy and mate who turned up from local student Radio Station Shock, to review the gig, and who instigated a great debate on the best ever punk band. The Pistols defeated the Clash, despite Will’s spirited Clash pitch. Also thanks to Alison, Tina’s mate, who only heard about the gig when Clint announced it on XFM the previous evening, big thanks for the plug(s) Mr.Boon. Other shouts go out to Toni (and family), Lucy and Clod who took turns in doing the door for us. The girls looked amazing in their customised Scratch t-shirts. GGGRRRR!!!!!
Also, big thanks to The Ambush boys for a great performance. (Hopefully we can make good our promise of a St.Albans date in ‘09). Thanks to Laura for a great sound and the tips of other local venues you think would suit The Scratch. Then of course Superman Steve Whitty who also endured the 7 hour journey (mainly by munching his way through a giant packed lunch) and who took some really great pics of both bands (see our myspace site soon) and last but never ever least, our Tina, who liaised, cajoled, and harangued in her own inimitable way to make the whole night happen and who arranged for Will and Hardy to come down to do their reviews (as soon as we get them, they’ll up for you to read here)… Star as ever gaffer!
Final mention has to go to Grim who drove for a total of 10 hours to do the gig, arriving home at 3am on Friday morning and then having to get up for work! It ain’t all sex and drugs and rock’n’roll you know being in a band!
See you at the Comedy on 19th November, where all your favourite stars will return to do the whole show again!
xx
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
The Scratch - In the City 2008 - a bands eye view! Part 3
Day 3: The Final Conflict. Monday 6th October. Day of the Rat!
Eye bags are on the increase… an ASDA breakfast is sure to help!... Up by 8, out by 10 but not before Whitty eats three times his body weight in 'fry up'. We stride into the Midland by 11.15, following 20 minutes of blanket flyer action on the street outside the massive Manchester University. Now it's time for our noon interview with Ross, Tarquin and Juliette of Big Multimedia at The Tiger Lounge, for 15 minutes of TV interview fame on their soon to be launched IPTV Channel. Good luck and yes John (the Baron's new mate from Durham, they speak the same lingo you know man!) we're well up for a gig when things get off the ground. Soon back at HQ, table replenishment 407 is completed, followed by a mild panic as The Scratch say hi to The Molotovs (a band they had met last week at the Horn gig in St.Albans), when a ginger haired bloke is mistaken for Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens … not sure what he'll do with the 5 cds 3 biogs and 38 flyers? Still Xmas presents are sorted I guess?
Now it's off to Salford Uni for more of the same street team action, while incorporating a quick visit to the Pint Pot (scene of our 16th October date). The clock though is starting to tick very rapidly and there is a palpable lull in energy levels. Tina and Steve decide to hang out at the Midland, while the band go back to change for the final push!
As the make up is being trowelled on at the flat, Tina's sends a rapid volley of Text's Hooky's got a CD, Andy Rourke's got one AND John Robb, has agreed to bring Goldblade to The Horn in St.Albans for a gig!!!! "And now Whitty's chasing John Kennedy with a copy of Night Bus or Milk Train!" As you know Scratch fans we are consummately professional and are NEVER late for soundchecks (as uncool as that may sound), we keep up our record at One Central only to be tutted at on arrival, as we are informed we only have 20 minutes left… (don't worry, it'll only take a pro 5 minutes darlin!!!) … despite a slight technical hitch with a footswitch, the sound generally is very good ala Manchester, leaving us the time for one last Tressle table drop and then it's showtime.
Friends begin to arrive at the Hotel, Lucy and Clod, Mark (Tina told you it would be worth it mate!), Colleen, Super cool Sam, Merrily and a growing bunch of the curious, brilliant and brow beaten. *The guy (sorry can't remember your name) who was doing the Wii guitar hero in the basement of the Midland, promised to be there, JR's seminar ruled him out, but Tony and Denise of our PR company Manilla had just arrived and were up for their first full Scratch set!
Like dynamite, Numbers exploded into life and things never let up from there… Freakshow, You want the world, I Relax to Spiral Scratch, Against the Grain, the intensity never dropped, it was as though all the anticipation of the last 2 days had been distilled into one crazed demonic cocktail. As * said, as the final chord of Dear Maniac sang into the ether, "that's the liveliest show of the whole weekend", big thanks to all those who took the time, thanks to Mr.Coogan who snuck in, in time to leave an informed note on Tina's myspace today (the day after) saying how we rocked. Thanks we appreciate the time you all took to come along.
And, so that was it, In the City 2008, all that effort from Tina and Steve had culminated in the band delivering in equal measure for them, in our eyes the two real heroes of the weekend. (Big thanks to Paul for making the journey and wearing the tee btw). All that was left now was for a wind down beer, before the long drive back to St.Albans… there was a mild whiff on anti climax in the air as I'm sure you could imagine, it had been an intense affair. However there was one last Scratch on tour gem to tell you about.
A reflective Andy and Whitty, are sat down at the table we had populated since the gig and have become emersed in conversation about what was next, and how Steve could force John Kennedy to offer The Scratch a session, when suddenly Andy jumped up going "Er , what's that!, er aghh"… bewildered Steve looked on as in the style of frightened school girl Andy is shrieking "Er, get it off me" he promptly drops his trousers to his knees shaking booty violently! It turns out that while Steve and Andy chatted, Steve had felt something brush past his foot… just seconds before a RAT RUNS UP ANDY'S TROUSER LEG, ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP TO HIS RAPIDLY CONTRACTING BACKSIDE!… looking presumably for a way out! "Thank God I wasn't going Commando! As it was, despite only having a couple of pints, I had ended the night well and truly 'Rat Arsed!"
"It ain't rockin roll and I don't like it, like it no I don't."
It could only happen to our band…
Wow what a weekend, what a bizarre end and so as all fairy tales end, we got our record deal and lived happily ever after… well, that was the dream Andy was having as he, Grim and Whitty were chauffered back down the motorway by John, for another 2 o'clock finale… but this time it was bloody work in the morning. Who says life on the road ain't glamourous! Thanks to the lead singer of the band who followed the Underground Verulam showcase (The one we'd opened), who dedicated their first song to the man who had the rat in his trousers!
The extra special thanks however goes to Clint (really touched that you put us in your top 10 tips for the weekend on the offical site mate!), Charley (Hopefully see you in Salford on 16th for a spot of afternoon tea), Supercharged John Robb (let's get this gig sorted at the Horn mate), Martin Coogan (great to meet you at last), Grae at the St.Albans Arts Council, (for this great opportunity… looking forward to Trashville in November) …and as we've said before the true stars of this weekend Steve (I'm gonna get that Kennedy session Whittaker) and the amazing Tina, we love you.
Apologies to anyones names we've forgotten or not mention, total recall after a weekend like that, just ain't gonna happen anymore. We're already anticipating next year's later, more prominent spot! Safe in the knowledge that team Scratch could not have done anymore to get our name across to the great and good (and evil) of the music elite. Next stop Tea and cake down Salford Way!
One question remains however… Where did lager magnet The Baron get that case of Red Stripe he was carrying around all of Monday by the way?
xx
Eye bags are on the increase… an ASDA breakfast is sure to help!... Up by 8, out by 10 but not before Whitty eats three times his body weight in 'fry up'. We stride into the Midland by 11.15, following 20 minutes of blanket flyer action on the street outside the massive Manchester University. Now it's time for our noon interview with Ross, Tarquin and Juliette of Big Multimedia at The Tiger Lounge, for 15 minutes of TV interview fame on their soon to be launched IPTV Channel. Good luck and yes John (the Baron's new mate from Durham, they speak the same lingo you know man!) we're well up for a gig when things get off the ground. Soon back at HQ, table replenishment 407 is completed, followed by a mild panic as The Scratch say hi to The Molotovs (a band they had met last week at the Horn gig in St.Albans), when a ginger haired bloke is mistaken for Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens … not sure what he'll do with the 5 cds 3 biogs and 38 flyers? Still Xmas presents are sorted I guess?
Now it's off to Salford Uni for more of the same street team action, while incorporating a quick visit to the Pint Pot (scene of our 16th October date). The clock though is starting to tick very rapidly and there is a palpable lull in energy levels. Tina and Steve decide to hang out at the Midland, while the band go back to change for the final push!
As the make up is being trowelled on at the flat, Tina's sends a rapid volley of Text's Hooky's got a CD, Andy Rourke's got one AND John Robb, has agreed to bring Goldblade to The Horn in St.Albans for a gig!!!! "And now Whitty's chasing John Kennedy with a copy of Night Bus or Milk Train!" As you know Scratch fans we are consummately professional and are NEVER late for soundchecks (as uncool as that may sound), we keep up our record at One Central only to be tutted at on arrival, as we are informed we only have 20 minutes left… (don't worry, it'll only take a pro 5 minutes darlin!!!) … despite a slight technical hitch with a footswitch, the sound generally is very good ala Manchester, leaving us the time for one last Tressle table drop and then it's showtime.
Friends begin to arrive at the Hotel, Lucy and Clod, Mark (Tina told you it would be worth it mate!), Colleen, Super cool Sam, Merrily and a growing bunch of the curious, brilliant and brow beaten. *The guy (sorry can't remember your name) who was doing the Wii guitar hero in the basement of the Midland, promised to be there, JR's seminar ruled him out, but Tony and Denise of our PR company Manilla had just arrived and were up for their first full Scratch set!
Like dynamite, Numbers exploded into life and things never let up from there… Freakshow, You want the world, I Relax to Spiral Scratch, Against the Grain, the intensity never dropped, it was as though all the anticipation of the last 2 days had been distilled into one crazed demonic cocktail. As * said, as the final chord of Dear Maniac sang into the ether, "that's the liveliest show of the whole weekend", big thanks to all those who took the time, thanks to Mr.Coogan who snuck in, in time to leave an informed note on Tina's myspace today (the day after) saying how we rocked. Thanks we appreciate the time you all took to come along.
And, so that was it, In the City 2008, all that effort from Tina and Steve had culminated in the band delivering in equal measure for them, in our eyes the two real heroes of the weekend. (Big thanks to Paul for making the journey and wearing the tee btw). All that was left now was for a wind down beer, before the long drive back to St.Albans… there was a mild whiff on anti climax in the air as I'm sure you could imagine, it had been an intense affair. However there was one last Scratch on tour gem to tell you about.
A reflective Andy and Whitty, are sat down at the table we had populated since the gig and have become emersed in conversation about what was next, and how Steve could force John Kennedy to offer The Scratch a session, when suddenly Andy jumped up going "Er , what's that!, er aghh"… bewildered Steve looked on as in the style of frightened school girl Andy is shrieking "Er, get it off me" he promptly drops his trousers to his knees shaking booty violently! It turns out that while Steve and Andy chatted, Steve had felt something brush past his foot… just seconds before a RAT RUNS UP ANDY'S TROUSER LEG, ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP TO HIS RAPIDLY CONTRACTING BACKSIDE!… looking presumably for a way out! "Thank God I wasn't going Commando! As it was, despite only having a couple of pints, I had ended the night well and truly 'Rat Arsed!"
"It ain't rockin roll and I don't like it, like it no I don't."
It could only happen to our band…
Wow what a weekend, what a bizarre end and so as all fairy tales end, we got our record deal and lived happily ever after… well, that was the dream Andy was having as he, Grim and Whitty were chauffered back down the motorway by John, for another 2 o'clock finale… but this time it was bloody work in the morning. Who says life on the road ain't glamourous! Thanks to the lead singer of the band who followed the Underground Verulam showcase (The one we'd opened), who dedicated their first song to the man who had the rat in his trousers!
The extra special thanks however goes to Clint (really touched that you put us in your top 10 tips for the weekend on the offical site mate!), Charley (Hopefully see you in Salford on 16th for a spot of afternoon tea), Supercharged John Robb (let's get this gig sorted at the Horn mate), Martin Coogan (great to meet you at last), Grae at the St.Albans Arts Council, (for this great opportunity… looking forward to Trashville in November) …and as we've said before the true stars of this weekend Steve (I'm gonna get that Kennedy session Whittaker) and the amazing Tina, we love you.
Apologies to anyones names we've forgotten or not mention, total recall after a weekend like that, just ain't gonna happen anymore. We're already anticipating next year's later, more prominent spot! Safe in the knowledge that team Scratch could not have done anymore to get our name across to the great and good (and evil) of the music elite. Next stop Tea and cake down Salford Way!
One question remains however… Where did lager magnet The Baron get that case of Red Stripe he was carrying around all of Monday by the way?
xx
The Scratch - In the City 2008 - a bands eye view! Part 2
Day 2:
Sunday 5th. Sportscity.
Up by 8.00, Andy is piling up the stacks of giveaway CD's, flyers, vinyl and press releases, they are going to use as bait for the day ahead, by 10.30, Andy and Tina are back at the Midland replenishing the tressle table and picking up the In the City programme/guide… which of course has managed to get the date wrong of The Scratch's showcase and omitted the photo that should have accompanied the 30 word biog. It's with world weariness, not disappointment we shrug, it's kind of par for the course for us, (the little details make the difference!)
Next it's rehearsal time and Ancoats finest, The Boom, Boom Rooms… Andy and Tina limp there for 11.30… set up the mics and sit and wait for the rest of the band and the aforementioned PR go-getter, Steve Whitty. John, Grim and Steve arrive around 12.45, but it isn't until around 2.00 that the Baron rolls up, having encountered horrendous weather (Manchester is amazingly gloriously sunny by the way!), Man City traffic and getting lost.
Tina at once Kidnaps Whitty and they head back off to the Midland, while the band decide which one of the 10 track set they need to drop to accommodate their two newies, Freakshow and You want the World.
An hour or so passes…
"Hold on, my phone's ringing", it's an excited Tina, "We've just met Clint (Boon ) and Charlie (Boon) getting out of a cab, just as we arrived at the Hotel". They're setting up Mrs Boon's cake stool. Sex, Cake and Rock'n' Roll! It's the new black in Manchester… "We're havin a cup of tea out of fine bone china, a home made cake and we've got Clint, DJing on two mini, portable antique turntables! … Oh and I've just seen John Robb… hurry up and get over here."
We didn't need to be told twice. After locking our gear in the studio and with a swift change of t-shirt and shoes in the street we set off.
On arrival at the Midland, sure enough, Clint was there, Charlie, John Robb and host of other delegates, hedgehog haired bands and balding muso types… sadly the tea urn had run dry, so it was lager and schmoozing time. Andy chatted to Charley about a possible appearance at the bands next Manchester gig in Salford on 16th October, Clint posed with the band holding one of Mrs Boons cake signs, while Tina was bending John Robb's ear about who, where why and what! (Go Teenaw GO!) A highlight of the day so far was an exclusive play of Goldblade and Poly Styrene's of (X-Ray Spex) new joint Christmas single to Andy and Tina on JR's ipod.
Grae Wall the promoter of our night (from the St.Albans Arts Council) was soon followed by Darren manager of The Culture (and former Infernal Racket DJ for who we sessioned in Feb), in saying high as we passed across the Midland's bar carpet, all too focused on our own missions to stop for breath.
As time got round to 5.30ish, Andy and the Scratch SWAT team, attended the summing up of the days events, with the amazingly busy but tireless John Robb as host… (Great work Tina for mounting the stage at the end and squeezing a CD into the palm of each of the 4 panelists... The Scratch duly, get their first mention on the official podcast!)
Everything is going well, it's bloody hectic, but no time for slacking, the only blip is Elizabeth from the BBC who Andy had approached earlier in the day re- an interview, ignoring her mobile for the rest of the evening… and the next day… (We've got your number now though lady, you don't think we're gonna give up do you?!)
Next stop is the Ruby lounge, John Kennedy is about to do a DJ set. 3 passes, 6 people, a quick flash of Andy's phone pic with Mr.Boon and a smile from Teenaw and we're in.
Quick as a lightening, Whitty is in the 'merch' bag and has already violated the DJ booth with a copy of Critical Mass. Our first direct contact with John Kennedy and subsequently our first play of a Scratch track by him (and now, no longer a Scratch virgin) Nice one Whitty!!!!
"It's Tina isn't it?" by now we've got celebs (not literally, cos that would've got us in NME at last!!!!) coming out of our ears! Thoroughly top bloke Martin Coogan (He of "Can you Dig it" , Revolution Radio DJ and now head honcho at Radio Republic fame)… tops a great day, as our entourage is now actually being noticed by the stars! Our Teenaw, the new face on the Manchester scene!
Not a bad day, Clint, Charlie, John Robb, John Kennedy and Martin Coogan. Let's bloody move to Manchester, was the cry as the cosy 6 some, gorged themselves on late, late Sunday night pizza. 2.30am looks like a good time for some shut eye. Thankfully there was no beer left in the fridge!
Part 3 to follow
x
Sunday 5th. Sportscity.
Up by 8.00, Andy is piling up the stacks of giveaway CD's, flyers, vinyl and press releases, they are going to use as bait for the day ahead, by 10.30, Andy and Tina are back at the Midland replenishing the tressle table and picking up the In the City programme/guide… which of course has managed to get the date wrong of The Scratch's showcase and omitted the photo that should have accompanied the 30 word biog. It's with world weariness, not disappointment we shrug, it's kind of par for the course for us, (the little details make the difference!)
Next it's rehearsal time and Ancoats finest, The Boom, Boom Rooms… Andy and Tina limp there for 11.30… set up the mics and sit and wait for the rest of the band and the aforementioned PR go-getter, Steve Whitty. John, Grim and Steve arrive around 12.45, but it isn't until around 2.00 that the Baron rolls up, having encountered horrendous weather (Manchester is amazingly gloriously sunny by the way!), Man City traffic and getting lost.
Tina at once Kidnaps Whitty and they head back off to the Midland, while the band decide which one of the 10 track set they need to drop to accommodate their two newies, Freakshow and You want the World.
An hour or so passes…
"Hold on, my phone's ringing", it's an excited Tina, "We've just met Clint (Boon ) and Charlie (Boon) getting out of a cab, just as we arrived at the Hotel". They're setting up Mrs Boon's cake stool. Sex, Cake and Rock'n' Roll! It's the new black in Manchester… "We're havin a cup of tea out of fine bone china, a home made cake and we've got Clint, DJing on two mini, portable antique turntables! … Oh and I've just seen John Robb… hurry up and get over here."
We didn't need to be told twice. After locking our gear in the studio and with a swift change of t-shirt and shoes in the street we set off.
On arrival at the Midland, sure enough, Clint was there, Charlie, John Robb and host of other delegates, hedgehog haired bands and balding muso types… sadly the tea urn had run dry, so it was lager and schmoozing time. Andy chatted to Charley about a possible appearance at the bands next Manchester gig in Salford on 16th October, Clint posed with the band holding one of Mrs Boons cake signs, while Tina was bending John Robb's ear about who, where why and what! (Go Teenaw GO!) A highlight of the day so far was an exclusive play of Goldblade and Poly Styrene's of (X-Ray Spex) new joint Christmas single to Andy and Tina on JR's ipod.
Grae Wall the promoter of our night (from the St.Albans Arts Council) was soon followed by Darren manager of The Culture (and former Infernal Racket DJ for who we sessioned in Feb), in saying high as we passed across the Midland's bar carpet, all too focused on our own missions to stop for breath.
As time got round to 5.30ish, Andy and the Scratch SWAT team, attended the summing up of the days events, with the amazingly busy but tireless John Robb as host… (Great work Tina for mounting the stage at the end and squeezing a CD into the palm of each of the 4 panelists... The Scratch duly, get their first mention on the official podcast!)
Everything is going well, it's bloody hectic, but no time for slacking, the only blip is Elizabeth from the BBC who Andy had approached earlier in the day re- an interview, ignoring her mobile for the rest of the evening… and the next day… (We've got your number now though lady, you don't think we're gonna give up do you?!)
Next stop is the Ruby lounge, John Kennedy is about to do a DJ set. 3 passes, 6 people, a quick flash of Andy's phone pic with Mr.Boon and a smile from Teenaw and we're in.
Quick as a lightening, Whitty is in the 'merch' bag and has already violated the DJ booth with a copy of Critical Mass. Our first direct contact with John Kennedy and subsequently our first play of a Scratch track by him (and now, no longer a Scratch virgin) Nice one Whitty!!!!
"It's Tina isn't it?" by now we've got celebs (not literally, cos that would've got us in NME at last!!!!) coming out of our ears! Thoroughly top bloke Martin Coogan (He of "Can you Dig it" , Revolution Radio DJ and now head honcho at Radio Republic fame)… tops a great day, as our entourage is now actually being noticed by the stars! Our Teenaw, the new face on the Manchester scene!
Not a bad day, Clint, Charlie, John Robb, John Kennedy and Martin Coogan. Let's bloody move to Manchester, was the cry as the cosy 6 some, gorged themselves on late, late Sunday night pizza. 2.30am looks like a good time for some shut eye. Thankfully there was no beer left in the fridge!
Part 3 to follow
x
The Scratch - In the City – Sat 4th-Mon 6th October 2008 Part 1
Dear Scratchers,
The only way I can possibly think about writing this up, is by splitting it into 3 days. As per usual it is a tale of Euphoria, Heartache, sore feet, sore throats, frantic energy, high octane performance and of course vermin!
Day 1 - Saturday 4th: Watford Junction
Andy gets the train, to rendevous with the newly twisted knee'd Teenaw, Manager, Hotelier, Drinker and all round Super woman! Inside knowledge and a hefty pile of CD's mean barely 90 minutes from arriving at Manchester Piccadilly, the dynamic duo are at the impressive Midland Hotel, there's a line of tressle tables in the large reception hall, a place that over the course of this long weekend, will become the centre of everyone's universe. It was just starting to be populated with flyers and the kind of shiny merchandise band's design in the hope of mesmerising the dignitaries, liggers and general delegate hangers on, who have the power to be able to elevate the latest three chord wonders to Oasis and Arctic Monkey style prowess, with a simple nod of a head to the right person at their label.
Getting on In the City, is a bit like being a starving lion (the bands), locked in a glass cage, surrounded by a herd upon herd of juicy wilderbeast, all dressed in masquerade ball masks (the people in the know) roaming tantalisingly just outside the locked door. Though Manchester is a proper music city, where true giants of the industry actually dare to mix, laugh and enthuse with the great unwashed masses (there's no-way you could get an event like this in uptight London)… the rule that "it ain't what you know it's who you know" is still all too annoyingly applicable… The only way to get noticed as John Robb said to us, is you need to be "big bold and brash". Luckily for The Scratch, the 'dream team' of Tina and Steve 'not a skinny Zane Lowe look-a-like thanks very much' Whittaker, are masters of the art.
Prior to the Midland, Andy and Tina had visited Tina's mate Lisa's house for a pre birthday party drink… by 7.30, Andy was sitting in front of a can of Cider, a glass of Champagne and an Aftershock… Thus, on leaving the Midland, they were buzzing and our Tina was already on the blagging trail, getting them into One Central for free on the premise of sussing the venue out for Monday nights gig. Day 1 (Well half a day really) ended around 2am ish… with appetite for the task ahead, well and truly whetted.
Day 2 to follow!
The only way I can possibly think about writing this up, is by splitting it into 3 days. As per usual it is a tale of Euphoria, Heartache, sore feet, sore throats, frantic energy, high octane performance and of course vermin!
Day 1 - Saturday 4th: Watford Junction
Andy gets the train, to rendevous with the newly twisted knee'd Teenaw, Manager, Hotelier, Drinker and all round Super woman! Inside knowledge and a hefty pile of CD's mean barely 90 minutes from arriving at Manchester Piccadilly, the dynamic duo are at the impressive Midland Hotel, there's a line of tressle tables in the large reception hall, a place that over the course of this long weekend, will become the centre of everyone's universe. It was just starting to be populated with flyers and the kind of shiny merchandise band's design in the hope of mesmerising the dignitaries, liggers and general delegate hangers on, who have the power to be able to elevate the latest three chord wonders to Oasis and Arctic Monkey style prowess, with a simple nod of a head to the right person at their label.
Getting on In the City, is a bit like being a starving lion (the bands), locked in a glass cage, surrounded by a herd upon herd of juicy wilderbeast, all dressed in masquerade ball masks (the people in the know) roaming tantalisingly just outside the locked door. Though Manchester is a proper music city, where true giants of the industry actually dare to mix, laugh and enthuse with the great unwashed masses (there's no-way you could get an event like this in uptight London)… the rule that "it ain't what you know it's who you know" is still all too annoyingly applicable… The only way to get noticed as John Robb said to us, is you need to be "big bold and brash". Luckily for The Scratch, the 'dream team' of Tina and Steve 'not a skinny Zane Lowe look-a-like thanks very much' Whittaker, are masters of the art.
Prior to the Midland, Andy and Tina had visited Tina's mate Lisa's house for a pre birthday party drink… by 7.30, Andy was sitting in front of a can of Cider, a glass of Champagne and an Aftershock… Thus, on leaving the Midland, they were buzzing and our Tina was already on the blagging trail, getting them into One Central for free on the premise of sussing the venue out for Monday nights gig. Day 1 (Well half a day really) ended around 2am ish… with appetite for the task ahead, well and truly whetted.
Day 2 to follow!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Birthday cheers and loads more beers - The Queens' Head Box
2 gigs in 2 days, yeah baby! ... Despite feeling understandably cream crackered after the excursions and uber late night on the Stella’s at The Horn... The Scratch returned to the Queens Head in Box, slightly mellower than on Friday night, but none the less focused, indeed... resplendent in the requested fancy dress for the Baron's birthday bash, Andy as Edward Scissor hands, Grim as a Teddy Boy, John as Indian man and birthday boy as a Rear Admiral... Saturday night saw the first performances of two soon to be staples. The Sleazy Glam groove of Freakshow, that instantly got the previously shy crowd up and bopping and the more straight ahead, You want the World, 2 and a half minutes of Devo meets the Undertones. These 2 gig get together's not only allow vast quantities of alcohol to be consumed, they also re-enforce the unity and versatility of the band. Let's just hope it can be carried triumphantly into next week and In the City beyond! Where the unbelievers will surely be converted to the cause!
xx
xx
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Good times come to me now, me now, me now - The Horn, we've got it!
Before I begin, I don’t want to talk about the fact that though gigs by The Scratch must be well into three figures now, last night at The Horn was definitely in the top 5 of gigs the band has ever done, I don’t want to talk about the massive feeling of excitement crackling from the stage, I don’t want to talk about the ragged raw power of this the bands top 30 minute set…
What I want to talk about is the people who were there. The people who turned up in great (and greater), numbers some in Scratch t-shirts, some in their work clothes, some in their mums clothes! but all with the killer attitude of having a great night watching their favourite band. YOU GUYS WERE AMAZING. From song one (Numbers) the level of abandon and commitment to the cause of sheer enjoyment grew and grew to scarcely seen proportions in the these parts. It shows how much the band need you, our friends (it always seems OTT to say fans, but I guess you keep coming gig after gig, buying the singles wearing the t-shirts, you must be fans I guess, well the feeling goes both ways, if you’re fans of us. We’re BIG fans of you!)
The gig was a warm up for the mega potential important In the City showcase in Manchester on Monday 6th October. Much inter band camaraderie was in evidence with the excellent/eccentric Molotov’s, so all boads well for a riot in the
Heart of Manc land next week.
The Horn a venue that has just won small venue of the year, is being steered back into the realms of the good old days (Not with Billy Dainty!), but the days when St.Albans and Herts bands had the weekend spots and there was a great buzz about the cities scene, it’s been 15 years in coming, but it looks like promoter Hansi, is getting things back to how they should be, ‘cos however worthy and in a lot of cases proficient tribute acts and cover bands can be, it’s original music that is the life blood. There is talk of a possible bi-monthly residency for The Scratch next year, and on last nights evidence, exciting times of rammed local nights could well be just around the corner. Tell your friends, your foes and your fans, we’re scene building and ’09 is the place to see it and be it!
If The Scratch can harness even half of the magic fairy dust that they had sprinkled on them last night, the long awaited breakthrough can’t surely be far away. A night of oneness abounded. We are ecstatic. Massive thanks and big highs to those of you also who saw us for the first time and were brandishing Cd’s in the bar after and a big high to Michael, we see you their next time mate, don’t for get to get in touch. “Rock’n’Roll, mate, “Rock’n’Roll!”
The last words have to go to you though, you guys are the electricity that powers this Frankenstein beast! Tell your friends, the more support the more exciting this journey will be.
Tina you’re a star.
BIG love.
The Scratch
xxxxxxx
What I want to talk about is the people who were there. The people who turned up in great (and greater), numbers some in Scratch t-shirts, some in their work clothes, some in their mums clothes! but all with the killer attitude of having a great night watching their favourite band. YOU GUYS WERE AMAZING. From song one (Numbers) the level of abandon and commitment to the cause of sheer enjoyment grew and grew to scarcely seen proportions in the these parts. It shows how much the band need you, our friends (it always seems OTT to say fans, but I guess you keep coming gig after gig, buying the singles wearing the t-shirts, you must be fans I guess, well the feeling goes both ways, if you’re fans of us. We’re BIG fans of you!)
The gig was a warm up for the mega potential important In the City showcase in Manchester on Monday 6th October. Much inter band camaraderie was in evidence with the excellent/eccentric Molotov’s, so all boads well for a riot in the
Heart of Manc land next week.
The Horn a venue that has just won small venue of the year, is being steered back into the realms of the good old days (Not with Billy Dainty!), but the days when St.Albans and Herts bands had the weekend spots and there was a great buzz about the cities scene, it’s been 15 years in coming, but it looks like promoter Hansi, is getting things back to how they should be, ‘cos however worthy and in a lot of cases proficient tribute acts and cover bands can be, it’s original music that is the life blood. There is talk of a possible bi-monthly residency for The Scratch next year, and on last nights evidence, exciting times of rammed local nights could well be just around the corner. Tell your friends, your foes and your fans, we’re scene building and ’09 is the place to see it and be it!
If The Scratch can harness even half of the magic fairy dust that they had sprinkled on them last night, the long awaited breakthrough can’t surely be far away. A night of oneness abounded. We are ecstatic. Massive thanks and big highs to those of you also who saw us for the first time and were brandishing Cd’s in the bar after and a big high to Michael, we see you their next time mate, don’t for get to get in touch. “Rock’n’Roll, mate, “Rock’n’Roll!”
The last words have to go to you though, you guys are the electricity that powers this Frankenstein beast! Tell your friends, the more support the more exciting this journey will be.
Tina you’re a star.
BIG love.
The Scratch
xxxxxxx
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Huge Davenport and CRMK.co.uk effect!
How John remembered where to go is still a mystery... but he did and on arrival at CRMK.co.uk, the dynamic duo of Andy and he, were greeted once more by the star of the show resplendent in Batman t-shirt, Hugh Davenport. Hugh wasn't feeling himself tonight... on account of getting chilly up the bloody tower!? (ok ok, enuff carry on film dialogue), but he really had caught a chill in London the previous night. In light of no Grim (sunning himself with friends in St.Tropez, whilst flicking through musical perfection weekly)... tonight was pure chat. We began with discussing, New single Girls World, which Hugh duly played (twice in fact), b-side Sweet Surprise and previous single Critical Mass, before 'scatter gunning' between subjects as diverse as The Nationwide BPI Brits Music award thing... to which Northern line tube stations certain bands has written songs about. It was great fun. So good in fact that Andy and John stayed for the second hour too, helping to keep Mr.D on track!
The original plan had been to see Hugh again and publicise Girls World, but it ended with the uber bonus of an offer of a special Scratch show in the new year, where we pick the tracks and Hugh spins the wax!, so we’ll keep you guys posted... Big thanks and hope to see you in November in St.Albans mate. Hope the chill improves... work on the air drumming and we'll let you know then!
And finally, a word to the worldwideweb.
To all of you in internet land, if you're sick of the usual playlisted bowlox on your evening radio, you could do a lot worse than tune into crmk.co.uk - Hugh is an old skool DJ with a truly eclectic plectrum, off the wall and round the back by the bike sheds... we won’t mention that he played Queen once… don’t worry, your secret is safe with us mate!
Thanks for a great night.
xx
The original plan had been to see Hugh again and publicise Girls World, but it ended with the uber bonus of an offer of a special Scratch show in the new year, where we pick the tracks and Hugh spins the wax!, so we’ll keep you guys posted... Big thanks and hope to see you in November in St.Albans mate. Hope the chill improves... work on the air drumming and we'll let you know then!
And finally, a word to the worldwideweb.
To all of you in internet land, if you're sick of the usual playlisted bowlox on your evening radio, you could do a lot worse than tune into crmk.co.uk - Hugh is an old skool DJ with a truly eclectic plectrum, off the wall and round the back by the bike sheds... we won’t mention that he played Queen once… don’t worry, your secret is safe with us mate!
Thanks for a great night.
xx
Friday, August 29, 2008
BOX ROCKS!
Dear Scratchers,
Monday saw the release of Girls World as you know and what better than to gig on release day, well, in a word festival!... so that's what we did in the seemingly perenailly grey but picturesque village of Box. In it's 15th year we were really chuffed at being given the main support slot at the Box Rocks charity festival, having wowed organiser and owner of the Queen's Head pub, Dean back in March, when we recorded our Critical Mass video. The venue was the car park, which was given over to a huge lorry trailer that made for an impressive stage. 10 bands, 8 or 9 of which were covers, made for a good atmosphere, however as 'Strange 4Play' kicked things off, it took the locals (with a few biker lady exceptions in Scratch t-shirts!) a few minutes to adjust their ears to the unfamiliar trackage. Gradually though, song by song, new converts emerged, (despite Andy playing the 'Numbers' intro in the wrong key), the whole crowd focus was by now stage wise. A storming I relax to spiral scratch got the bums really wiggling, as the set built to a resounding anthemic 'Independent Unrepentant' and all parties seemed plenty pleased with the days events! Thanks again to Dean and Crew for their ace organising and hope the charity made a good few quid in the process. Looking at a lot of the departing crowd, it appeared that beer sales had certainly side stepped the credit crunch! ... This weeks little drama, as there is always a drama with The Scratch as you know! saw The Baron somehow manage to dislocate/break some fingers and possibly a toe on the way... (but doesn't he always try and have the last laugh!) We'll be back in month for his birthday... so rest those digits Ronaldo!
The Scratch
x
Monday saw the release of Girls World as you know and what better than to gig on release day, well, in a word festival!... so that's what we did in the seemingly perenailly grey but picturesque village of Box. In it's 15th year we were really chuffed at being given the main support slot at the Box Rocks charity festival, having wowed organiser and owner of the Queen's Head pub, Dean back in March, when we recorded our Critical Mass video. The venue was the car park, which was given over to a huge lorry trailer that made for an impressive stage. 10 bands, 8 or 9 of which were covers, made for a good atmosphere, however as 'Strange 4Play' kicked things off, it took the locals (with a few biker lady exceptions in Scratch t-shirts!) a few minutes to adjust their ears to the unfamiliar trackage. Gradually though, song by song, new converts emerged, (despite Andy playing the 'Numbers' intro in the wrong key), the whole crowd focus was by now stage wise. A storming I relax to spiral scratch got the bums really wiggling, as the set built to a resounding anthemic 'Independent Unrepentant' and all parties seemed plenty pleased with the days events! Thanks again to Dean and Crew for their ace organising and hope the charity made a good few quid in the process. Looking at a lot of the departing crowd, it appeared that beer sales had certainly side stepped the credit crunch! ... This weeks little drama, as there is always a drama with The Scratch as you know! saw The Baron somehow manage to dislocate/break some fingers and possibly a toe on the way... (but doesn't he always try and have the last laugh!) We'll be back in month for his birthday... so rest those digits Ronaldo!
The Scratch
x
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Purple Turtle, A passionate review from the Trousers
Listen, I'm not sure what's going on in this cruel crap world anymore, if I ever did, but the only true feeling of love, family excluded, is the love of the wonderful people who turn out to see The Scratch. It's Wednesday, there's a threatened tube strike AGAIN, Lazy overpaid, dispassionate EN-GER-LAND are playing, and it's frickin' raining AGAIN!!!! But, Bloody BUT!!!!!!… The Scratch are playing once again to their mighty and loyal following…we know them and we love them ALL. Tonights set fairly bristled with passion, humour and catchy as ebola songs like GIRLS WORLD, CRITICAL MASS AND DEAR MANIAC. The applause was from the heart, it was BIG love from both sides. It wasn't shoe gazing, corporate, skinny jeaned, heat magazined heroin chic'd KOOL… it was a fookin night out with yer mates.
BIG love
David T.
X
BIG love
David T.
X
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Payney speaks to Andy on rock247 online
Dear Scratchers,
In case you missed it, a big thanks to Payney on www.rock247online.co.uk/ for the interview with Andy, where amongst other things they discussed The Prodigy’s sleeve artwork, gigs in the Midlands (we should do some), Tiffany (again!) and Erotomaniac’s … Payney began by playing Critical Mass, followed by Dear Maniac and then both sides of the new single.
Really appreciate the support mate.
The Scratch
x
In case you missed it, a big thanks to Payney on www.rock247online.co.uk/ for the interview with Andy, where amongst other things they discussed The Prodigy’s sleeve artwork, gigs in the Midlands (we should do some), Tiffany (again!) and Erotomaniac’s … Payney began by playing Critical Mass, followed by Dear Maniac and then both sides of the new single.
Really appreciate the support mate.
The Scratch
x
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Sun, drying mud, Showtime!!!! The Scratch at Endorse IT Part 2!
Welcome to part 2... Sunday August 10th 2008. The day of reckoning.
A broken nights sleep punctuated by stumbling ravers, wee wee desperados and cavernous snoring, soon disappeared to be greeted by, would you believe it SUN!…. glorious 7.30 am sunshine. Time for a cup of tea and at least one more dose of 'agent orange' in the portaloo!
It was now 3 hours and 15 minutes until we were due backstage for the final countdown to Showtime. Andy and The Baron strode off leaving the other sleeping beauties to come to in their own achy and slightly damp way… (once again I refer you to euphemism!)… Slightly fuzzy heads were dispelled by the third cup of free tea and excitement began to firmly take a foot(squelch)hold… It was soon 10.30, just as the band reached the cars to pick up their 'axes' Andy received a call saying Nick and Rosie were currently on the M4, with kids, rushing back to try and catch the show! In doing so re-enacting the final scene from Bram Stokers Dracula movie (the one Keanu ruined), question was, would they make it!
Meanwhile Tina had met up with Sam and Raj and they were taking up their photography and video positions as the band de-wellied at the steps to the stage and were introduced to Daisy the stage manager. Despite much care The Scratch's black and white (and of course Red Baron) attire had today taken on a certain subtle brown spottiness from the sticky 'gloop' all around… but at least the stage was dry… in fact under the lights it was positively tropical!…
Hobo Jones and the Junkyard dogs who seemed to be doing a set every 35 minutes throughout the weekend kicked off proceedings on the main JC stage, and assembled a pretty decent sized, slightly damp, bleary eyed throng infront of them.
Then it was our turn. Introduced on stage by the impressively affro'd Rueben. It was clear that many of the bands at Endorse IT were back for their second or third stint and as you looked out from the stage you could see why. It was a really well laid out/thought out festival with the potential of becoming one of the best… It was also clear that The Scratch, all Marshall amped up for the day were going to relish the moment. It has to be noted that like all other outdoor dates that the band have done in glorious blighty, the weather has always been wet until and this was no exception… The Scratch take the stage and the sun comes out! As if the Gods are smiling and trying to help propel us into the hearts of the masses…
or not…?!?
Smashing through into the Dorset Midday with Strange 4Play the time for talking was done… Sunday as we had just found out was ladies day at Endorse it, (like most things at this festival something that had just got out of hand and grown from a previous years jappery and stuck!)… anyway 'Girls World' was dedicated to the these guy/girls to much twittering and skirt lifting (if you've not seen the Girls World video yet, you'll know of The Scratch's sympathy for this particular 'art form'!)… if you haven't you must and tell all your mates!!!!
The appropriate 'Pooh (Bear) Destroyed by the look of love' was next and then Andy paid tribute to the Buzzcocks before they launched into one of the highlights of the set *'I Relax to Spiral Scratch'… The crowd was by now beginning to gather in size and appreciation as 'Against the Grain (Who Ray?)' and probably song of the set 'Critical Mass' rocked, funked and punked in the sunshine, (still no sign of Nick though!)… 'Dear Maniac' wobbled slightly as a stick slip at a crucial moment caused a discordant white noise interlude (hey good band name!)… But not many, if any noticed…and then it was straight into 'Smell the Gas Taps' before thanking all assembled and catapulting into DIY anthem 'Independent Unrepentant'. 40 minutes had gone in a blur!.. some very encouraging words rang in buzzing ears as we left the stage with talk of next year and later slots already being bandied around.
And so that was that, The Scratch's debut at Endorse it, in Dorset. All that remains is to say a huge thanks to Lamma Maund the organiser for inviting us to play, we sincerely hope to be asked back again please. From the tractor driver to the guy who pulled us off… (No stop it now!) ...the site in his Landrover as we left…to the soundman and the bar staff, everyone was extremely hospitable and friendly and we'd recommend Endorse IT, in Dorset to anyone… just don't forget yer wellies!!
Finally and I know you'll be dying to know, did Van Helsing save the day… alas no!… as we came off stage once more wellied up, our gaggle of heroes and heroines were waiting to speak to us… they'd just got back on site as we finished!
The very last set of thanks then goes out to Nick and family for their 7 hours of driving to still not see us, Sam and Raj, stylish as ever (can't wait to see the photos) and especially Superstar Tina for hanging out with the big boys… and The Scratch… if there once was a call of duty… there needs to be a new more fitting phrase now!
…. Reality soon dawned as we wended our way back passed 'Strawberry Sauce' and 'Nether Wallop' (one of those villages is real!), only to spend nearly 2 hours on the M25, but our spirits and souls could no longer be dampened.
If you missed this weekend and would like to be a part of The Scratch saga come and see our next festival date on bank holiday Monday in Box nr Bath at the Box Rocks festival, we're on stage at 8.30pm (which is also the day that our Girls World single will be released too!) … hopefully catch you at the Purple Turtle on Weds 20th August and we can compare welly boot prices in preparation!
Love, Squelches and Kisses
The Scratch
xx
A broken nights sleep punctuated by stumbling ravers, wee wee desperados and cavernous snoring, soon disappeared to be greeted by, would you believe it SUN!…. glorious 7.30 am sunshine. Time for a cup of tea and at least one more dose of 'agent orange' in the portaloo!
It was now 3 hours and 15 minutes until we were due backstage for the final countdown to Showtime. Andy and The Baron strode off leaving the other sleeping beauties to come to in their own achy and slightly damp way… (once again I refer you to euphemism!)… Slightly fuzzy heads were dispelled by the third cup of free tea and excitement began to firmly take a foot(squelch)hold… It was soon 10.30, just as the band reached the cars to pick up their 'axes' Andy received a call saying Nick and Rosie were currently on the M4, with kids, rushing back to try and catch the show! In doing so re-enacting the final scene from Bram Stokers Dracula movie (the one Keanu ruined), question was, would they make it!
Meanwhile Tina had met up with Sam and Raj and they were taking up their photography and video positions as the band de-wellied at the steps to the stage and were introduced to Daisy the stage manager. Despite much care The Scratch's black and white (and of course Red Baron) attire had today taken on a certain subtle brown spottiness from the sticky 'gloop' all around… but at least the stage was dry… in fact under the lights it was positively tropical!…
Hobo Jones and the Junkyard dogs who seemed to be doing a set every 35 minutes throughout the weekend kicked off proceedings on the main JC stage, and assembled a pretty decent sized, slightly damp, bleary eyed throng infront of them.
Then it was our turn. Introduced on stage by the impressively affro'd Rueben. It was clear that many of the bands at Endorse IT were back for their second or third stint and as you looked out from the stage you could see why. It was a really well laid out/thought out festival with the potential of becoming one of the best… It was also clear that The Scratch, all Marshall amped up for the day were going to relish the moment. It has to be noted that like all other outdoor dates that the band have done in glorious blighty, the weather has always been wet until and this was no exception… The Scratch take the stage and the sun comes out! As if the Gods are smiling and trying to help propel us into the hearts of the masses…
or not…?!?
Smashing through into the Dorset Midday with Strange 4Play the time for talking was done… Sunday as we had just found out was ladies day at Endorse it, (like most things at this festival something that had just got out of hand and grown from a previous years jappery and stuck!)… anyway 'Girls World' was dedicated to the these guy/girls to much twittering and skirt lifting (if you've not seen the Girls World video yet, you'll know of The Scratch's sympathy for this particular 'art form'!)… if you haven't you must and tell all your mates!!!!
The appropriate 'Pooh (Bear) Destroyed by the look of love' was next and then Andy paid tribute to the Buzzcocks before they launched into one of the highlights of the set *'I Relax to Spiral Scratch'… The crowd was by now beginning to gather in size and appreciation as 'Against the Grain (Who Ray?)' and probably song of the set 'Critical Mass' rocked, funked and punked in the sunshine, (still no sign of Nick though!)… 'Dear Maniac' wobbled slightly as a stick slip at a crucial moment caused a discordant white noise interlude (hey good band name!)… But not many, if any noticed…and then it was straight into 'Smell the Gas Taps' before thanking all assembled and catapulting into DIY anthem 'Independent Unrepentant'. 40 minutes had gone in a blur!.. some very encouraging words rang in buzzing ears as we left the stage with talk of next year and later slots already being bandied around.
And so that was that, The Scratch's debut at Endorse it, in Dorset. All that remains is to say a huge thanks to Lamma Maund the organiser for inviting us to play, we sincerely hope to be asked back again please. From the tractor driver to the guy who pulled us off… (No stop it now!) ...the site in his Landrover as we left…to the soundman and the bar staff, everyone was extremely hospitable and friendly and we'd recommend Endorse IT, in Dorset to anyone… just don't forget yer wellies!!
Finally and I know you'll be dying to know, did Van Helsing save the day… alas no!… as we came off stage once more wellied up, our gaggle of heroes and heroines were waiting to speak to us… they'd just got back on site as we finished!
The very last set of thanks then goes out to Nick and family for their 7 hours of driving to still not see us, Sam and Raj, stylish as ever (can't wait to see the photos) and especially Superstar Tina for hanging out with the big boys… and The Scratch… if there once was a call of duty… there needs to be a new more fitting phrase now!
…. Reality soon dawned as we wended our way back passed 'Strawberry Sauce' and 'Nether Wallop' (one of those villages is real!), only to spend nearly 2 hours on the M25, but our spirits and souls could no longer be dampened.
If you missed this weekend and would like to be a part of The Scratch saga come and see our next festival date on bank holiday Monday in Box nr Bath at the Box Rocks festival, we're on stage at 8.30pm (which is also the day that our Girls World single will be released too!) … hopefully catch you at the Purple Turtle on Weds 20th August and we can compare welly boot prices in preparation!
Love, Squelches and Kisses
The Scratch
xx
The Scratch - In the City 2008 - a bands eye view!
Dear Scratchers,
The only way I can possibly think about writing this up, is by splitting it into 3 days.
As per usual it is a tale of Euphoria, Heartache, sore feet, sore throats, frantic energy, high octane performance and of course vermin!
Day 1 - Saturday 4th: Watford Junction
Andy gets the train, to rendevous with the newly twisted knee’d Teenaw, Manager, Hotelier, Drinker and all round Super woman!
Inside knowledge and a hefty pile of CD’s mean barely 90 minutes from arriving at Manchester Piccadilly, the dynamic duo are at the impressive Midland Hotel, there’s a line of tressle tables in the large reception hall, a place that over the course of this long weekend, will become the centre of everyone’s universe. It was just starting to be populated with flyers and the kind of shiny merchandise band’s design in the hope of mesmerising the dignitaries, liggers and general delegate hangers on, who have the power to be able to elevate the latest three chord wonders to Oasis and Arctic Monkey style prowess, with a simple nod of a head to the right person at their label.
Getting on In the City, is a bit like being a starving lion (the bands), locked in a glass cage, surrounded by a herd upon herd of juicy wilderbeast, all dressed in masquerade ball masks (the people in the know) roaming tantalisingly just outside the locked door.
Though Manchester is a proper music city, where true giants of the industry actually dare to mix, laugh and enthuse with the great unwashed masses (there’s no-way you could get an event like this in uptight London)… the rule that “it ain’t what you know it’s who you know” is still all too annoyingly applicable… The only way to get noticed as John Robb said to us, is you need to be “big bold and brash”. Luckily for The Scratch, the ‘dream team’ of Tina and Steve ‘not a skinny Zane Lowe look-a-like thanks very much’ Whittaker, are masters of the art.
Prior to the Midland, Andy and Tina had visited Tina’s mate Lisa’s house for a pre birthday party drink… by 7.30, Andy was sitting in front of a can of Cider, a glass of Champagne and an Aftershock… Thus, on leaving the Midland, they were buzzing and our Tina was already on the blagging trail, getting them into One Central for free on the premise of sussing the venue out for Monday nights gig.
Day 1 (Well half a day really) ended around 2am ish… with appetite for the task ahead, well and truly whetted.
Day 2:
Sunday 5th. Sportscity.
Up by 8.00, Andy is piling up the stacks of giveaway CD’s, flyers, vinyl and press releases, they are going to use as bait for the day ahead, by 10.30, Andy and Tina are back at the Midland replenishing the tressle table and picking up the In the City programme/guide… which of course has managed to get the date wrong of The Scratch’s showcase and omitted the photo that should have accompanied the 30 word biog. It’s with world weariness, not disappointment we shrug, it’s kind of par for the course for us, (the little details make the difference!)
Next it’s rehearsal time and Ancoats finest, The Boom, Boom Rooms… Andy and Tina limp there for 11.30… set up the mics and sit and wait for the rest of the band and the aforementioned PR go-getter, Steve Whitty. John, Grim and Steve arrive around 12.45, but it isn’t until around 2.00 that the Baron rolls up, having encountered horrendous weather (Manchester is amazingly gloriously sunny by the way!), Man City traffic and getting lost.
Tina at once Kidnaps Whitty and they head back off to the Midland, while the band decide which one of the 10 track set they need to drop to accommodate their two newies, Freakshow and You want the World.
An hour or so passes…
“Hold on, my phone’s ringing”, it’s an excited Tina, “We’ve just met Clint (Boon ) and Charlie (Boon) getting out of a cab, just as we arrived at the Hotel”. They’re setting up Mrs Boon’s cake stool. Sex, Cake and Rock’n’ Roll! It’s the new black in Manchester… “We’re havin a cup of tea out of fine bone china, a home made cake and we’ve got Clint, DJing on two mini, portable antique turntables! … Oh and I’ve just seen John Robb… hurry up and get over here.”
We didn’t need to be told twice. After locking our gear in the studio and with a swift change of t-shirt and shoes in the street we set off.
On arrival at the Midland, sure enough, Clint was there, Charlie, John Robb and host of other delegates, hedgehog haired bands and balding muso types… sadly the tea urn had run dry, so it was lager and schmoozing time. Andy chatted to Charley about a possible appearance at the bands next Manchester gig in Salford on 16th October, Clint posed with the band holding one of Mrs Boons cake signs, while Tina was bending John Robb’s ear about who, where why and what! (Go Teenaw GO!) A highlight of the day so far was an exclusive play of Goldblade and Poly Styrene’s of (X-Ray Spex) new joint Christmas single to Andy and Tina on JR’s ipod.
Grae Wall the promoter of our night (from the St.Albans Arts Council) was soon followed by Darren manager of The Culture (and former Infernal Racket DJ for who we sessioned in Feb), in saying high as we passed across the Midland’s bar carpet, all too focused on our own missions to stop for breath.
As time got round to 5.30ish, Andy and the Scratch SWAT team, attended the summing up of the days events, with the amazingly busy but tireless John Robb as host… (Great work Tina for mounting the stage at the end and squeezing a CD into the palm of each of the 4 panelists... The Scratch duly, get their first mention on the official podcast!)
Everything is going well, it’s bloody hectic, but no time for slacking, the only blip is Elizabeth from the BBC who Andy had approached earlier in the day re- an interview, ignoring her mobile for the rest of the evening… and the next day… (We’ve got your number now though lady, you don’t think we’re gonna give up do you?!)
Next stop is the Ruby lounge, John Kennedy is about to do a DJ set. 3 passes, 6 people, a quick flash of Andy’s phone pic with Mr.Boon and a smile from Teenaw and we’re in.
Quick as a lightening, Whitty is in the ‘merch’ bag and has already violated the DJ booth with a copy of Critical Mass. Our first direct contact with John Kennedy and subsequently our first play of a Scratch track by him (and now, no longer a Scratch virgin) Nice one Whitty!!!!
“It’s Tina isn’t it?” by now we’ve got celebs (not literally, cos that would’ve got us in NME at last!!!!) coming out of our ears! Thoroughly top bloke Martin Coogan (He of “Can you Dig it” , Revolution Radio DJ and now head honcho at Radio Republic fame)… tops a great day, as our entourage is now actually being noticed by the stars! Our Teenaw, the new face on the Manchester scene!
Not a bad day, Clint, Charlie, John Robb, John Kennedy and Martin Coogan. Let’s bloody move to Manchester, was the cry as the cosy 6 some, gorged themselves on late, late Sunday night pizza. 2.30am looks like a good time for some shut eye. Thankfully there was no beer left in the fridge!
Day 3: The Final Conflict. Monday 6th October. Day of the Rat!
Eye bags are on the increase… an ASDA breakfast is sure to help!... Up by 8, out by 10 but not before Whitty eats three times his body weight in ‘fry up’. We stride into the Midland by 11.15, following 20 minutes of blanket flyer action on the street outside the massive Manchester University. Now it’s time for our noon interview with Ross, Tarquin and Juliette of Big Multimedia at The Tiger Lounge, for 15 minutes of TV interview fame on their soon to be launched IPTV Channel. Good luck and yes John (the Baron’s new mate from Durham, they speak the same lingo you know man!) we’re well up for a gig when things get off the ground.
Soon back at HQ, table replenishment 407 is completed, followed by a mild panic as The Scratch say hi to The Molotovs (a band they had met last week at the Horn gig in St.Albans), when a ginger haired bloke is mistaken for Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens … not sure what he’ll do with the 5 cds 3 biogs and 38 flyers? Still Xmas presents are sorted I guess?
Now it’s off to Salford Uni for more of the same street team action, while incorporating a quick visit to the Pint Pot (scene of our 16th October date).
The clock though is starting to tick very rapidly and there is a palpable lull in energy levels. Tina and Steve decide to hang out at the Midland, while the band go back to change for the final push!
As the make up is being trowelled on at the flat, Tina’s sends a rapid volley of Text’s Hooky’s got a CD, Andy Rourke’s got one AND John Robb, has agreed to bring Goldblade to The Horn in St.Albans for a gig!!!! “And now Whitty’s chasing John Kennedy with a copy of Night Bus or Milk Train!”
As you know Scratch fans we are consummately professional and are NEVER late for soundchecks (as uncool as that may sound), we keep up our record at One Central only to be tutted at on arrival, as we are informed we only have 20 minutes left… (don’t worry, it’ll only take a pro 5 minutes darlin!!!) … despite a slight technical hitch with a footswitch, the sound generally is very good ala Manchester, leaving us the time for one last Tressle table drop and then it’s showtime.
Friends begin to arrive at the Hotel, Lucy and Clod, Mark (Tina told you it would be worth it mate!), Colleen, Super cool Sam, Merrily and a growing bunch of the curious, brilliant and brow beaten. *The guy (sorry can’t remember your name) who was doing the Wii guitar hero in the basement of the Midland, promised to be there, JR’s seminar ruled him out, but Tony and Denise of our PR company Manilla had just arrived and were up for their first full Scratch set!
Like dynamite, Numbers exploded into life and things never let up from there… Freakshow, You want the world, I Relax to Spiral Scratch, Against the Grain, the intensity never dropped, it was as though all the anticipation of the last 2 days had been distilled into one crazed demonic cocktail. As * said, as the final chord of Dear Maniac sang into the ether, “that’s the liveliest show of the whole weekend”, big thanks to all those who took the time, thanks to Mr.Coogan who snuck in, in time to leave an informed note on Tina’s myspace today (the day after) saying how we rocked. Thanks we appreciate the time you all took to come along.
And, so that was it, In the City 2008, all that effort from Tina and Steve had culminated in the band delivering in equal measure for them, in our eyes the two real heroes of the weekend. (Big thanks to Paul for making the journey and wearing the tee btw).
All that was left now was for a wind down beer, before the long drive back to St.Albans… there was a mild whiff on anti climax in the air as I’m sure you could imagine, it had been an intense affair. However there was one last Scratch on tour gem to tell you about.
A reflective Andy and Whitty, are sat down at the table we had populated since the gig and have become emersed in conversation about what was next, and how Steve could force John Kennedy to offer The Scratch a session, when suddenly Andy jumped up going “Er , what’s that!, er aghh”… bewildered Steve looked on as in the style of frightened school girl Andy is shrieking “Er, get it off me” he promptly drops his trousers to his knees shaking booty violently! It turns out that while Steve and Andy chatted, Steve had felt something brush past his foot… just seconds before a RAT RUNS UP ANDY’S TROUSER LEG, ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP TO HIS RAPIDLY CONTRACTING BACKSIDE!… looking presumably for a way out! “Thank God I wasn’t going Commando! As it was, despite only having a couple of pints, I had ended the night well and truly ‘Rat Arsed!”
“It ain’t rockin roll and I don’t like it, like it no I don’t.”
It could only happen to our band…
Wow what a weekend, what a bizarre end and so as all fairy tales end, we got our record deal and lived happily ever after… well, that was the dream Andy was having as he, Grim and Whitty were chauffered back down the motorway by John, for another 2 o’clock finale… but this time it was bloody work in the morning. Who says life on the road ain’t glamourous! Thanks to the lead singer of the band who followed the Underground Verulam showcase (The one we’d opened), who dedicated their first song to the man who had the rat in his trousers!
The extra special thanks however goes to Clint (really touched that you put us in your top 10 tips for the weekend on the offical site mate!), Charley (Hopefully see you in Salford on 16th for a spot of afternoon tea), Supercharged John Robb (let’s get this gig sorted at the Horn mate), Martin Coogan (great to meet you at last), Grae at the St.Albans Arts Council, (for this great opportunity… looking forward to Trashville in November) …and as we’ve said before the true stars of this weekend Steve (I’m gonna get that Kennedy session Whittaker) and the amazing Tina, we love you.
Apologies to anyones names we’ve forgotten or not mention, total recall after a weekend like that, just ain’t gonna happen anymore.
We’re already anticipating next year’s later, more prominent spot! Safe in the knowledge that team Scratch could not have done anymore to get our name across to the great and good (and evil) of the music elite.
Next stop Tea and cake down Salford Way!
One question remains however… Where did lager magnet The Baron get that case of Red Stripe he was carrying around all of Monday by the way?
xx
The only way I can possibly think about writing this up, is by splitting it into 3 days.
As per usual it is a tale of Euphoria, Heartache, sore feet, sore throats, frantic energy, high octane performance and of course vermin!
Day 1 - Saturday 4th: Watford Junction
Andy gets the train, to rendevous with the newly twisted knee’d Teenaw, Manager, Hotelier, Drinker and all round Super woman!
Inside knowledge and a hefty pile of CD’s mean barely 90 minutes from arriving at Manchester Piccadilly, the dynamic duo are at the impressive Midland Hotel, there’s a line of tressle tables in the large reception hall, a place that over the course of this long weekend, will become the centre of everyone’s universe. It was just starting to be populated with flyers and the kind of shiny merchandise band’s design in the hope of mesmerising the dignitaries, liggers and general delegate hangers on, who have the power to be able to elevate the latest three chord wonders to Oasis and Arctic Monkey style prowess, with a simple nod of a head to the right person at their label.
Getting on In the City, is a bit like being a starving lion (the bands), locked in a glass cage, surrounded by a herd upon herd of juicy wilderbeast, all dressed in masquerade ball masks (the people in the know) roaming tantalisingly just outside the locked door.
Though Manchester is a proper music city, where true giants of the industry actually dare to mix, laugh and enthuse with the great unwashed masses (there’s no-way you could get an event like this in uptight London)… the rule that “it ain’t what you know it’s who you know” is still all too annoyingly applicable… The only way to get noticed as John Robb said to us, is you need to be “big bold and brash”. Luckily for The Scratch, the ‘dream team’ of Tina and Steve ‘not a skinny Zane Lowe look-a-like thanks very much’ Whittaker, are masters of the art.
Prior to the Midland, Andy and Tina had visited Tina’s mate Lisa’s house for a pre birthday party drink… by 7.30, Andy was sitting in front of a can of Cider, a glass of Champagne and an Aftershock… Thus, on leaving the Midland, they were buzzing and our Tina was already on the blagging trail, getting them into One Central for free on the premise of sussing the venue out for Monday nights gig.
Day 1 (Well half a day really) ended around 2am ish… with appetite for the task ahead, well and truly whetted.
Day 2:
Sunday 5th. Sportscity.
Up by 8.00, Andy is piling up the stacks of giveaway CD’s, flyers, vinyl and press releases, they are going to use as bait for the day ahead, by 10.30, Andy and Tina are back at the Midland replenishing the tressle table and picking up the In the City programme/guide… which of course has managed to get the date wrong of The Scratch’s showcase and omitted the photo that should have accompanied the 30 word biog. It’s with world weariness, not disappointment we shrug, it’s kind of par for the course for us, (the little details make the difference!)
Next it’s rehearsal time and Ancoats finest, The Boom, Boom Rooms… Andy and Tina limp there for 11.30… set up the mics and sit and wait for the rest of the band and the aforementioned PR go-getter, Steve Whitty. John, Grim and Steve arrive around 12.45, but it isn’t until around 2.00 that the Baron rolls up, having encountered horrendous weather (Manchester is amazingly gloriously sunny by the way!), Man City traffic and getting lost.
Tina at once Kidnaps Whitty and they head back off to the Midland, while the band decide which one of the 10 track set they need to drop to accommodate their two newies, Freakshow and You want the World.
An hour or so passes…
“Hold on, my phone’s ringing”, it’s an excited Tina, “We’ve just met Clint (Boon ) and Charlie (Boon) getting out of a cab, just as we arrived at the Hotel”. They’re setting up Mrs Boon’s cake stool. Sex, Cake and Rock’n’ Roll! It’s the new black in Manchester… “We’re havin a cup of tea out of fine bone china, a home made cake and we’ve got Clint, DJing on two mini, portable antique turntables! … Oh and I’ve just seen John Robb… hurry up and get over here.”
We didn’t need to be told twice. After locking our gear in the studio and with a swift change of t-shirt and shoes in the street we set off.
On arrival at the Midland, sure enough, Clint was there, Charlie, John Robb and host of other delegates, hedgehog haired bands and balding muso types… sadly the tea urn had run dry, so it was lager and schmoozing time. Andy chatted to Charley about a possible appearance at the bands next Manchester gig in Salford on 16th October, Clint posed with the band holding one of Mrs Boons cake signs, while Tina was bending John Robb’s ear about who, where why and what! (Go Teenaw GO!) A highlight of the day so far was an exclusive play of Goldblade and Poly Styrene’s of (X-Ray Spex) new joint Christmas single to Andy and Tina on JR’s ipod.
Grae Wall the promoter of our night (from the St.Albans Arts Council) was soon followed by Darren manager of The Culture (and former Infernal Racket DJ for who we sessioned in Feb), in saying high as we passed across the Midland’s bar carpet, all too focused on our own missions to stop for breath.
As time got round to 5.30ish, Andy and the Scratch SWAT team, attended the summing up of the days events, with the amazingly busy but tireless John Robb as host… (Great work Tina for mounting the stage at the end and squeezing a CD into the palm of each of the 4 panelists... The Scratch duly, get their first mention on the official podcast!)
Everything is going well, it’s bloody hectic, but no time for slacking, the only blip is Elizabeth from the BBC who Andy had approached earlier in the day re- an interview, ignoring her mobile for the rest of the evening… and the next day… (We’ve got your number now though lady, you don’t think we’re gonna give up do you?!)
Next stop is the Ruby lounge, John Kennedy is about to do a DJ set. 3 passes, 6 people, a quick flash of Andy’s phone pic with Mr.Boon and a smile from Teenaw and we’re in.
Quick as a lightening, Whitty is in the ‘merch’ bag and has already violated the DJ booth with a copy of Critical Mass. Our first direct contact with John Kennedy and subsequently our first play of a Scratch track by him (and now, no longer a Scratch virgin) Nice one Whitty!!!!
“It’s Tina isn’t it?” by now we’ve got celebs (not literally, cos that would’ve got us in NME at last!!!!) coming out of our ears! Thoroughly top bloke Martin Coogan (He of “Can you Dig it” , Revolution Radio DJ and now head honcho at Radio Republic fame)… tops a great day, as our entourage is now actually being noticed by the stars! Our Teenaw, the new face on the Manchester scene!
Not a bad day, Clint, Charlie, John Robb, John Kennedy and Martin Coogan. Let’s bloody move to Manchester, was the cry as the cosy 6 some, gorged themselves on late, late Sunday night pizza. 2.30am looks like a good time for some shut eye. Thankfully there was no beer left in the fridge!
Day 3: The Final Conflict. Monday 6th October. Day of the Rat!
Eye bags are on the increase… an ASDA breakfast is sure to help!... Up by 8, out by 10 but not before Whitty eats three times his body weight in ‘fry up’. We stride into the Midland by 11.15, following 20 minutes of blanket flyer action on the street outside the massive Manchester University. Now it’s time for our noon interview with Ross, Tarquin and Juliette of Big Multimedia at The Tiger Lounge, for 15 minutes of TV interview fame on their soon to be launched IPTV Channel. Good luck and yes John (the Baron’s new mate from Durham, they speak the same lingo you know man!) we’re well up for a gig when things get off the ground.
Soon back at HQ, table replenishment 407 is completed, followed by a mild panic as The Scratch say hi to The Molotovs (a band they had met last week at the Horn gig in St.Albans), when a ginger haired bloke is mistaken for Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens … not sure what he’ll do with the 5 cds 3 biogs and 38 flyers? Still Xmas presents are sorted I guess?
Now it’s off to Salford Uni for more of the same street team action, while incorporating a quick visit to the Pint Pot (scene of our 16th October date).
The clock though is starting to tick very rapidly and there is a palpable lull in energy levels. Tina and Steve decide to hang out at the Midland, while the band go back to change for the final push!
As the make up is being trowelled on at the flat, Tina’s sends a rapid volley of Text’s Hooky’s got a CD, Andy Rourke’s got one AND John Robb, has agreed to bring Goldblade to The Horn in St.Albans for a gig!!!! “And now Whitty’s chasing John Kennedy with a copy of Night Bus or Milk Train!”
As you know Scratch fans we are consummately professional and are NEVER late for soundchecks (as uncool as that may sound), we keep up our record at One Central only to be tutted at on arrival, as we are informed we only have 20 minutes left… (don’t worry, it’ll only take a pro 5 minutes darlin!!!) … despite a slight technical hitch with a footswitch, the sound generally is very good ala Manchester, leaving us the time for one last Tressle table drop and then it’s showtime.
Friends begin to arrive at the Hotel, Lucy and Clod, Mark (Tina told you it would be worth it mate!), Colleen, Super cool Sam, Merrily and a growing bunch of the curious, brilliant and brow beaten. *The guy (sorry can’t remember your name) who was doing the Wii guitar hero in the basement of the Midland, promised to be there, JR’s seminar ruled him out, but Tony and Denise of our PR company Manilla had just arrived and were up for their first full Scratch set!
Like dynamite, Numbers exploded into life and things never let up from there… Freakshow, You want the world, I Relax to Spiral Scratch, Against the Grain, the intensity never dropped, it was as though all the anticipation of the last 2 days had been distilled into one crazed demonic cocktail. As * said, as the final chord of Dear Maniac sang into the ether, “that’s the liveliest show of the whole weekend”, big thanks to all those who took the time, thanks to Mr.Coogan who snuck in, in time to leave an informed note on Tina’s myspace today (the day after) saying how we rocked. Thanks we appreciate the time you all took to come along.
And, so that was it, In the City 2008, all that effort from Tina and Steve had culminated in the band delivering in equal measure for them, in our eyes the two real heroes of the weekend. (Big thanks to Paul for making the journey and wearing the tee btw).
All that was left now was for a wind down beer, before the long drive back to St.Albans… there was a mild whiff on anti climax in the air as I’m sure you could imagine, it had been an intense affair. However there was one last Scratch on tour gem to tell you about.
A reflective Andy and Whitty, are sat down at the table we had populated since the gig and have become emersed in conversation about what was next, and how Steve could force John Kennedy to offer The Scratch a session, when suddenly Andy jumped up going “Er , what’s that!, er aghh”… bewildered Steve looked on as in the style of frightened school girl Andy is shrieking “Er, get it off me” he promptly drops his trousers to his knees shaking booty violently! It turns out that while Steve and Andy chatted, Steve had felt something brush past his foot… just seconds before a RAT RUNS UP ANDY’S TROUSER LEG, ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP TO HIS RAPIDLY CONTRACTING BACKSIDE!… looking presumably for a way out! “Thank God I wasn’t going Commando! As it was, despite only having a couple of pints, I had ended the night well and truly ‘Rat Arsed!”
“It ain’t rockin roll and I don’t like it, like it no I don’t.”
It could only happen to our band…
Wow what a weekend, what a bizarre end and so as all fairy tales end, we got our record deal and lived happily ever after… well, that was the dream Andy was having as he, Grim and Whitty were chauffered back down the motorway by John, for another 2 o’clock finale… but this time it was bloody work in the morning. Who says life on the road ain’t glamourous! Thanks to the lead singer of the band who followed the Underground Verulam showcase (The one we’d opened), who dedicated their first song to the man who had the rat in his trousers!
The extra special thanks however goes to Clint (really touched that you put us in your top 10 tips for the weekend on the offical site mate!), Charley (Hopefully see you in Salford on 16th for a spot of afternoon tea), Supercharged John Robb (let’s get this gig sorted at the Horn mate), Martin Coogan (great to meet you at last), Grae at the St.Albans Arts Council, (for this great opportunity… looking forward to Trashville in November) …and as we’ve said before the true stars of this weekend Steve (I’m gonna get that Kennedy session Whittaker) and the amazing Tina, we love you.
Apologies to anyones names we’ve forgotten or not mention, total recall after a weekend like that, just ain’t gonna happen anymore.
We’re already anticipating next year’s later, more prominent spot! Safe in the knowledge that team Scratch could not have done anymore to get our name across to the great and good (and evil) of the music elite.
Next stop Tea and cake down Salford Way!
One question remains however… Where did lager magnet The Baron get that case of Red Stripe he was carrying around all of Monday by the way?
xx
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Mud, Mud glorious Festival Mud. The Scratch at Endorse IT part 1!
Dear Scratchers,
And so here is the merry tale of The Scratch and The Endorse IT festival weekend.
The idea was to set off early, rehearse at The Baron’s (well in The Queens Head pub in the village, thanks Dean btw) and then drive to the festival, set up camp by about 6pm, go and watch the Buzzcocks and have a couple of beers. Just to get in the mood for the High noon showdown on Sunday.
Saturday 9th August 2008.
At 10am John, Andy and super Tina (PR, manager, video-er and blagger extraordinaire) from St.Albans, and Grim from London took the road west. The sun was out and there was a crackle of excitement in the air. We had been anxiously watching the forecast for weeks, but as it seems to change by the hour these days, we kind of just hoped. The forecast though for Saturday was wet. Not the best, particularly for Andy who had been suffering from a heavy cold and was still ‘very twisty bugled up’ and the Baron weighing in with a bronchial infection… Grim to everyone’s shock was nearly healthy!… John, just to round off the sp was farting… a lot…
The Journey to Box (Baronville) only took a couple and a half hours, but by the time we’d arrived the sun had turned to dreaded rain (not that it had ever done anything else when we’d ever been to this most green and pleasant part of the West Country!)
We were soon set-up in the familiar backroom of the Pub and proceeded to blast away the car bound rustiness… it was great to be playing again!…
The first run through wasn’t too bad, a bit of coughing and croakiness from the vocal side and The Baron ‘tinging’ his Chinese cymbal at EVERY opportunity (no that’s not a euphemism matron!)… it was during the 'fag break' however that things started to get ‘interesting’ news had just arrived from the East, from Andy’s brother Nick, who, with wife Rosie and daughters Indie (rock) and Boo McManus the disco cat, had already arrived at the festival site and reported that, at the VERY LEAST wellies and waterproofs would be required, but if it got much worse, the life guard would have to be informed!…The rain was torrential.
Once the second set was complete, it was time for a detour before we made our way to Endorse IT. It came in the shape of Focus… (Can’t remember are they the DIY arm of WHSmiths??, anyway doesn’t matter)… This was to be the scene of the first memorable moment of the weekend… oh apart from the sight of ‘City dweller’ Grim, squealing like a girl at the sight of a luminous squidgy orange wormy thing on the path outside chez Baron, (it turned out to be a slug!)… but I digress. The first real memorable moment is The Scratch spending their entire £50 weekend appearance money on 4 pairs of green wellies and 2 rolls of ‘essential’ black bin bags!!! A final a quick stop for food supplies at Sainsburys and we were finally on the road to festival fun!…
Tucked away, seemingly miles from anywhere, not least as Grim’s Sat(crap)Nav was starting to find smaller and smaller thinner and thinner farm tracks to drive down! We finally spied the Endorse IT festival’s rain lashed and windswept entrance as the clock ticked just past 6.00pm. The deep, deep tyre tracks already told the story as Tina began her first blag as a guest, collecting the sparkly wrist bands, and securing a nice camping spot with the band by the bins!
This preceded, first John’s car being towed from the gully between backstage camping and the car park/pond by a tractor and, more trickily, Grim's (that seemed to have no visible towing facility), resulting in the Baron passing most of the bands equipment over an 8 foot fence to John and Andy, but not before (despite being warned) picking up the merchandise box upside down and ‘showering’ the muddy pool with our precious Critical Mass CD’s!.. Finally the day was saved by a hay bail wielding JCB that ended up pushing Grims car back up the hill and into the backstage camping area… where the fun was really about to begin…
Tina’s £5 Asda tent, went up in seconds… Hovever, The Baron’s borrowed £99.99 Halfords version was proving more of an issue, at times resembling a wind surfers sail more than a tent, it took 4 people clinging on and a ‘tent pegger’ to secure the beast before the inner section and the eye bulging lilo blowing up (There was more than one casualty of Airbed eye!) could conclude this Kryton Factoresque marathon!…
Just as the final bung was pushed into the final hole… Nick phoned to say that as they had the kids who were by now understandably miserable… they were going to reluctantly have to head home to St.Albans…But as in the story of Life and Death, one departs and another is born and so into the story we introduce Sam and Raj, who had just been towed into the car park and were looking for the campsite.
In the backstage area things were still very wet, but at least the tents, though swaying quite violently, were up and it was at last time for a well-earned beer. A five minute squelchy walk later and the welcome sight of merrily staggering, muddied and colourful hatted, cider jug wielding 'Crusties' came sprawling from the beer tent to great us, to the cool reggae skank, chug of the Ska-lites…. It looked like we had some catching up to do!
Not sure what Cider Tina had for her first drink, but she seemed to be assimilating well! Sam and Raj joined us around 9 after Raj had managed to prize his muddy contact lens from behind his eye!!! Ouch!…
By the time the Buzzcocks took to the stage just before 11.00 The rain and mud were beginning fade into after thoughts. The bin liner skirts and wellies had won the day… as too had the ‘Buzzers’ who having seen them on many occasions in the past were on sparkling form. The Diggle 'wiggle' and triumphant 'Townsend arm wheels' along with Shelley’s fantastic vocals and delivery took on majestic tones as they crashed through all the classics, but also not oft played gems like, 'Breakdown' from their seminal Spiral Scratch ep (we know a song about that one don’t we Geoffrey!*) Our Endorse IT festival had really kicked off.
Sam and Raj decided to hit the hay (well it is a farm!)… So Team Tina hit backstage hospitality and the great Endorse IT bus bar!… Andy meanwhile ran off to find The ‘Buzzers’ as they left the stage and to finally shake the great men’s hands (PSWH?) while they squelched through the mud with carrier bags encasing their 600 hundred quid shoes … it was a moment of true catharsis, 17 after years after the purchase of the amazing Singles Going Steady album!… The others had hit the bar following a quick visit to the hospitality tent to hand in set lists and collect our food and drink vouchers for the following day.
Around 1.30, we were beginning to flag, it was time for bed, John favoured the car over Grims thunderous snoring…while the ill boys ‘topped and tailed’, bouncy castle stylee on the other muddy lilo! I bet the Buzzcocks were laying into the hotel mini bar by now?
Can't wait for high Noon!
Squelch you later!
xx
And so here is the merry tale of The Scratch and The Endorse IT festival weekend.
The idea was to set off early, rehearse at The Baron’s (well in The Queens Head pub in the village, thanks Dean btw) and then drive to the festival, set up camp by about 6pm, go and watch the Buzzcocks and have a couple of beers. Just to get in the mood for the High noon showdown on Sunday.
Saturday 9th August 2008.
At 10am John, Andy and super Tina (PR, manager, video-er and blagger extraordinaire) from St.Albans, and Grim from London took the road west. The sun was out and there was a crackle of excitement in the air. We had been anxiously watching the forecast for weeks, but as it seems to change by the hour these days, we kind of just hoped. The forecast though for Saturday was wet. Not the best, particularly for Andy who had been suffering from a heavy cold and was still ‘very twisty bugled up’ and the Baron weighing in with a bronchial infection… Grim to everyone’s shock was nearly healthy!… John, just to round off the sp was farting… a lot…
The Journey to Box (Baronville) only took a couple and a half hours, but by the time we’d arrived the sun had turned to dreaded rain (not that it had ever done anything else when we’d ever been to this most green and pleasant part of the West Country!)
We were soon set-up in the familiar backroom of the Pub and proceeded to blast away the car bound rustiness… it was great to be playing again!…
The first run through wasn’t too bad, a bit of coughing and croakiness from the vocal side and The Baron ‘tinging’ his Chinese cymbal at EVERY opportunity (no that’s not a euphemism matron!)… it was during the 'fag break' however that things started to get ‘interesting’ news had just arrived from the East, from Andy’s brother Nick, who, with wife Rosie and daughters Indie (rock) and Boo McManus the disco cat, had already arrived at the festival site and reported that, at the VERY LEAST wellies and waterproofs would be required, but if it got much worse, the life guard would have to be informed!…The rain was torrential.
Once the second set was complete, it was time for a detour before we made our way to Endorse IT. It came in the shape of Focus… (Can’t remember are they the DIY arm of WHSmiths??, anyway doesn’t matter)… This was to be the scene of the first memorable moment of the weekend… oh apart from the sight of ‘City dweller’ Grim, squealing like a girl at the sight of a luminous squidgy orange wormy thing on the path outside chez Baron, (it turned out to be a slug!)… but I digress. The first real memorable moment is The Scratch spending their entire £50 weekend appearance money on 4 pairs of green wellies and 2 rolls of ‘essential’ black bin bags!!! A final a quick stop for food supplies at Sainsburys and we were finally on the road to festival fun!…
Tucked away, seemingly miles from anywhere, not least as Grim’s Sat(crap)Nav was starting to find smaller and smaller thinner and thinner farm tracks to drive down! We finally spied the Endorse IT festival’s rain lashed and windswept entrance as the clock ticked just past 6.00pm. The deep, deep tyre tracks already told the story as Tina began her first blag as a guest, collecting the sparkly wrist bands, and securing a nice camping spot with the band by the bins!
This preceded, first John’s car being towed from the gully between backstage camping and the car park/pond by a tractor and, more trickily, Grim's (that seemed to have no visible towing facility), resulting in the Baron passing most of the bands equipment over an 8 foot fence to John and Andy, but not before (despite being warned) picking up the merchandise box upside down and ‘showering’ the muddy pool with our precious Critical Mass CD’s!.. Finally the day was saved by a hay bail wielding JCB that ended up pushing Grims car back up the hill and into the backstage camping area… where the fun was really about to begin…
Tina’s £5 Asda tent, went up in seconds… Hovever, The Baron’s borrowed £99.99 Halfords version was proving more of an issue, at times resembling a wind surfers sail more than a tent, it took 4 people clinging on and a ‘tent pegger’ to secure the beast before the inner section and the eye bulging lilo blowing up (There was more than one casualty of Airbed eye!) could conclude this Kryton Factoresque marathon!…
Just as the final bung was pushed into the final hole… Nick phoned to say that as they had the kids who were by now understandably miserable… they were going to reluctantly have to head home to St.Albans…But as in the story of Life and Death, one departs and another is born and so into the story we introduce Sam and Raj, who had just been towed into the car park and were looking for the campsite.
In the backstage area things were still very wet, but at least the tents, though swaying quite violently, were up and it was at last time for a well-earned beer. A five minute squelchy walk later and the welcome sight of merrily staggering, muddied and colourful hatted, cider jug wielding 'Crusties' came sprawling from the beer tent to great us, to the cool reggae skank, chug of the Ska-lites…. It looked like we had some catching up to do!
Not sure what Cider Tina had for her first drink, but she seemed to be assimilating well! Sam and Raj joined us around 9 after Raj had managed to prize his muddy contact lens from behind his eye!!! Ouch!…
By the time the Buzzcocks took to the stage just before 11.00 The rain and mud were beginning fade into after thoughts. The bin liner skirts and wellies had won the day… as too had the ‘Buzzers’ who having seen them on many occasions in the past were on sparkling form. The Diggle 'wiggle' and triumphant 'Townsend arm wheels' along with Shelley’s fantastic vocals and delivery took on majestic tones as they crashed through all the classics, but also not oft played gems like, 'Breakdown' from their seminal Spiral Scratch ep (we know a song about that one don’t we Geoffrey!*) Our Endorse IT festival had really kicked off.
Sam and Raj decided to hit the hay (well it is a farm!)… So Team Tina hit backstage hospitality and the great Endorse IT bus bar!… Andy meanwhile ran off to find The ‘Buzzers’ as they left the stage and to finally shake the great men’s hands (PSWH?) while they squelched through the mud with carrier bags encasing their 600 hundred quid shoes … it was a moment of true catharsis, 17 after years after the purchase of the amazing Singles Going Steady album!… The others had hit the bar following a quick visit to the hospitality tent to hand in set lists and collect our food and drink vouchers for the following day.
Around 1.30, we were beginning to flag, it was time for bed, John favoured the car over Grims thunderous snoring…while the ill boys ‘topped and tailed’, bouncy castle stylee on the other muddy lilo! I bet the Buzzcocks were laying into the hotel mini bar by now?
Can't wait for high Noon!
Squelch you later!
xx
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
August awaits!!!!!
Dear Scratchers...
Less than a week to go now before Endorse It... we've got to say before we say anything else a huge thanks to all those of you who have once again gone above and beyond the call of duty and bought tickets to see us on Sunday. Excitement is building, it feels like a long time away from gigging ... at least with the onset of August things are ramping up... don't forget that those of you who can't make Endorse it, can see us live at the Purple Turtle on Weds 20th August. We've gone for an early slot as a warm for our Box Rocks festival date on August bank holiday, so don't be late as we're on at 8pm sharp.
Here's the latest review from Die Shellsuit, Die! review, which very kindly includes a grammar lesun!?
A Big thanks to Gray Thomas for his review and lesson in The Scratch's lack of gramaticKal abillity... (well Andy's to be exact...)
The Scratch
"Girls World (Single)"
We rate this: 8 out of 10
Readers rate this: 9 out of 10
Jangling its way through July is the bright summer sound of The Scratch and 'Girls World' is an ideal tune for the annual roadtrip to Newquay. Firstly though, and I do feel I have to mention it, I have not omitted the apostrophe required in the record's title. The Scratch did. And it's not a misprint, it's all over their website and myspace and it is very annoying. Despite this, I can't help but like the tune and long before the thirty second mark I found myself rhythmically nodding and foot-tapping like an idiot. But it is the second song 'Sweet Surprise' that I really like. At only 103 seconds long, it gets straight to the point with some impressive vocal techniques and a Clash-esque guitar attack that I defy anyone to ignore.
Wicked.
Appreciate it mate. Hope to meet up with you all on Sunday after high noon for a celebratory and hopefully sunny beer. If not... see you down the Turtle for an afterwork loosener!
x
Less than a week to go now before Endorse It... we've got to say before we say anything else a huge thanks to all those of you who have once again gone above and beyond the call of duty and bought tickets to see us on Sunday. Excitement is building, it feels like a long time away from gigging ... at least with the onset of August things are ramping up... don't forget that those of you who can't make Endorse it, can see us live at the Purple Turtle on Weds 20th August. We've gone for an early slot as a warm for our Box Rocks festival date on August bank holiday, so don't be late as we're on at 8pm sharp.
Here's the latest review from Die Shellsuit, Die! review, which very kindly includes a grammar lesun!?
A Big thanks to Gray Thomas for his review and lesson in The Scratch's lack of gramaticKal abillity... (well Andy's to be exact...)
The Scratch
"Girls World (Single)"
We rate this: 8 out of 10
Readers rate this: 9 out of 10
Jangling its way through July is the bright summer sound of The Scratch and 'Girls World' is an ideal tune for the annual roadtrip to Newquay. Firstly though, and I do feel I have to mention it, I have not omitted the apostrophe required in the record's title. The Scratch did. And it's not a misprint, it's all over their website and myspace and it is very annoying. Despite this, I can't help but like the tune and long before the thirty second mark I found myself rhythmically nodding and foot-tapping like an idiot. But it is the second song 'Sweet Surprise' that I really like. At only 103 seconds long, it gets straight to the point with some impressive vocal techniques and a Clash-esque guitar attack that I defy anyone to ignore.
Wicked.
Appreciate it mate. Hope to meet up with you all on Sunday after high noon for a celebratory and hopefully sunny beer. If not... see you down the Turtle for an afterwork loosener!
x
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
The vinyl hath landed
Dear Scratchers,
Just a quick update to let you that the beautiful new deep pink ltd edition vinyl has arrived at Ponyland HQ in anticipation for the release of Girls World in August (25th), in addition to the CD and download versions the 7" is also going to be stocked around the country in the following record stores from the release date, Rough Trade shops, Pure Groove, Sister Ray, Selectadisc, Piccadilly, Jumbo, Crash, Jacks, Spillers, Reflex, Action, Avalanche, Norman Records and on our website for £2.99, so make a note of the date and get yourself down to the shops while stocks last (remember it is strictly limited edition!!!
Thanks again for all your support and don't forget your Endorse IT tickets are on sale now!
www.lgofestivals.com
xx
Just a quick update to let you that the beautiful new deep pink ltd edition vinyl has arrived at Ponyland HQ in anticipation for the release of Girls World in August (25th), in addition to the CD and download versions the 7" is also going to be stocked around the country in the following record stores from the release date, Rough Trade shops, Pure Groove, Sister Ray, Selectadisc, Piccadilly, Jumbo, Crash, Jacks, Spillers, Reflex, Action, Avalanche, Norman Records and on our website for £2.99, so make a note of the date and get yourself down to the shops while stocks last (remember it is strictly limited edition!!!
Thanks again for all your support and don't forget your Endorse IT tickets are on sale now!
www.lgofestivals.com
xx
Monday, July 14, 2008
The Scratch - Single - Girls World - Toxic Pete Review
Dear Scratchers,
Here's the first review for our forthcoming single...
Can't seem to do anything wrong!! Everything's so ass-kickin' punchy and bloody commercial. Who else then but The Scratch? This is The Scratch's latest single release, 'Girls World'; yet another fine and fulsome piece of Scratch rockin' balls, yet another chunk of attitudinal Scratch punk, yet another piece of Scratch power pop. Put it on, max it out, jump in the mosh pit and let fly - The Scratch should carry a Government Health Warning; 'Beware - dangerous attitude ahead - either rock out or rock off!!'
These guys seem to be on a real roll at the moment; The Scratch just keep on churnin' out more and more of this high quality, high octane rockin' pop and they don't seem able to put a foot wrong!! The term 'prolific' doesn't say enough about this outfit's musical productivity and The Scratch have a natural youthful energy that seems to feed their creative hunger. Here they've done it again; they blast headlong through 'Girls World' and leave massive holes through the ether in their wake. Not enough for The Scratch that they've gone and done it again with a great 'a' side - they then give you an equally aggressive 'b' side in 'Sweet Surprise' - the guys are on fuckin' fire!
'Girls World' by The Scratch is power-pop for 'now', power-pop for the future - power-pop for anytime, anyplace, anybody - totally rockin' massively catchy, impressively executed - wow The Scratch can get it on!! Aint that the truth!!
Peter J Brown aka toxic pete (www.toxicpete.co.uk)
Once again, thanks a lot Pete for your support!
x
Here's the first review for our forthcoming single...
Can't seem to do anything wrong!! Everything's so ass-kickin' punchy and bloody commercial. Who else then but The Scratch? This is The Scratch's latest single release, 'Girls World'; yet another fine and fulsome piece of Scratch rockin' balls, yet another chunk of attitudinal Scratch punk, yet another piece of Scratch power pop. Put it on, max it out, jump in the mosh pit and let fly - The Scratch should carry a Government Health Warning; 'Beware - dangerous attitude ahead - either rock out or rock off!!'
These guys seem to be on a real roll at the moment; The Scratch just keep on churnin' out more and more of this high quality, high octane rockin' pop and they don't seem able to put a foot wrong!! The term 'prolific' doesn't say enough about this outfit's musical productivity and The Scratch have a natural youthful energy that seems to feed their creative hunger. Here they've done it again; they blast headlong through 'Girls World' and leave massive holes through the ether in their wake. Not enough for The Scratch that they've gone and done it again with a great 'a' side - they then give you an equally aggressive 'b' side in 'Sweet Surprise' - the guys are on fuckin' fire!
'Girls World' by The Scratch is power-pop for 'now', power-pop for the future - power-pop for anytime, anyplace, anybody - totally rockin' massively catchy, impressively executed - wow The Scratch can get it on!! Aint that the truth!!
Peter J Brown aka toxic pete (www.toxicpete.co.uk)
Once again, thanks a lot Pete for your support!
x
It’s a Girls Girls Girls Girls World!
Dear Scratchers,
Saturday, saw filming for the video of the bands forthcoming single girls world, the first brand new material to be released since Night Bus or Milk Train…
As you will see from the forthcoming photos … a lot of fun, chaos and mayhem insued as Grim took the lead role of producer ably assisted by host for the day John…
It's amazing how much footage of blokes in their mums dresses is needed for a 2 and a half minute video… thanks to Sarah, Rhian, Lily, Leo and Tigerlily for their assistance/toys/bedroom/makeup and in some cases staring roles and Andy's mum for the dresses … It has to be said The Baron was really on form and lot more sober than normal… although some of his acting did have a certain 'woodenness' to it!...
The single is released at the end of August check here for dates and you'll be the first guys to see the video…
xx
Saturday, saw filming for the video of the bands forthcoming single girls world, the first brand new material to be released since Night Bus or Milk Train…
As you will see from the forthcoming photos … a lot of fun, chaos and mayhem insued as Grim took the lead role of producer ably assisted by host for the day John…
It's amazing how much footage of blokes in their mums dresses is needed for a 2 and a half minute video… thanks to Sarah, Rhian, Lily, Leo and Tigerlily for their assistance/toys/bedroom/makeup and in some cases staring roles and Andy's mum for the dresses … It has to be said The Baron was really on form and lot more sober than normal… although some of his acting did have a certain 'woodenness' to it!...
The single is released at the end of August check here for dates and you'll be the first guys to see the video…
xx
Thursday, June 19, 2008
In the studio ...
Dear Scratchers,
As promised here's the lowdown on last weeks recording session in sunny St.Albans... The previous visit to Unsigned studios in February yielded some sure fire 'solid' album matter for the next album (in progress as we speak... that's not the name by the way...) but this time hopes were high as at least 2 of the 4 tracks have been earmarked under the 'high single potential' category...
Track 1 (in no order, here's a rough idea, how we think they are sounding so far.) was 'Against the Grain' a track that most of you will know live as Who Ray?, which has been given an even bigger souped up pounding rock feel... track 2 'Freakshow' this one is a slow sleazer more in the vein of Stranger from NBOMT... think T.Rex meets, Queens of the Stone Age, jamming with the Dandy Warhols... track 3 'You want the world' has Undertones, Killing Joke and twist of Devo.. Shane the studio engineer thought Graham Coxon too for good measure... and track 4 'Look of the Century' the only one as yet without a verse vocal...is by The Scratch's standards an epic at nearly 4 minutes... but contains a chorus, that will hopefully be all the rage in festival season 09!
Big thanks to Shane for his expertise, patience and input...
We shan't be giving away any more details of album 3 yet, suffice to say, it;s taking very good shape...
Watchout for the newies at a festival near you this summer!
xx
As promised here's the lowdown on last weeks recording session in sunny St.Albans... The previous visit to Unsigned studios in February yielded some sure fire 'solid' album matter for the next album (in progress as we speak... that's not the name by the way...) but this time hopes were high as at least 2 of the 4 tracks have been earmarked under the 'high single potential' category...
Track 1 (in no order, here's a rough idea, how we think they are sounding so far.) was 'Against the Grain' a track that most of you will know live as Who Ray?, which has been given an even bigger souped up pounding rock feel... track 2 'Freakshow' this one is a slow sleazer more in the vein of Stranger from NBOMT... think T.Rex meets, Queens of the Stone Age, jamming with the Dandy Warhols... track 3 'You want the world' has Undertones, Killing Joke and twist of Devo.. Shane the studio engineer thought Graham Coxon too for good measure... and track 4 'Look of the Century' the only one as yet without a verse vocal...is by The Scratch's standards an epic at nearly 4 minutes... but contains a chorus, that will hopefully be all the rage in festival season 09!
Big thanks to Shane for his expertise, patience and input...
We shan't be giving away any more details of album 3 yet, suffice to say, it;s taking very good shape...
Watchout for the newies at a festival near you this summer!
xx
Friday, June 13, 2008
In the studio
Dear Scratchers,
Just a quick update to let you know that despite the lull in our gigging schedule... we haven't been idle. The Band have been practising hard in preparation for our return to Unsigned studios in St,Albans this weekend, where we are aiming to record live fave Who Ray? and three new tracks for our next album... whilst we won't be giving anything away until after they are recorded, it's fair to say we are excited that all of the tracks have single potential!... so watch this space! For more studio news...
xx
Just a quick update to let you know that despite the lull in our gigging schedule... we haven't been idle. The Band have been practising hard in preparation for our return to Unsigned studios in St,Albans this weekend, where we are aiming to record live fave Who Ray? and three new tracks for our next album... whilst we won't be giving anything away until after they are recorded, it's fair to say we are excited that all of the tracks have single potential!... so watch this space! For more studio news...
xx
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Grim tames the tiger at a record breaking show!
This The Scratch’s debut at the Bullet Bar Camden proved to be worth all the hype on a definite record breaking night of blood, sweat and cheers!
The sweat was due to the volume of people crammed into the venue, brandishing Scratch flyers, The cheers, were absolutely heartfelt and growing in intensity with each new song and the blood… well Grim who had been wielding his ‘axe’ throughout in true Jini Hendrix stylee throughout another adrenalin fueled show decided to take exception to Andy’s Tiger print coat thinking in his frenzied ‘steam glassied’ state, that the frontman was infact a nine foot Bengal big cat leaping towards him, so in a self defence flailed his beloved ‘Colonel Mustard’ guitar and crashed a glancing blow across ‘tigerman’s’ forehead precipitating a torrent of ‘claret’ to gush across the surrounding area (Ozzy eat yer heart out!)….But I digress…
As previously described the set was fast and furious, John and The Baron pumping behind the flourishing Grizzla and pole sliding ‘tigerman’ … The band had decided for this one that the set would take on a more ‘greatest hits’ feel by way of a thank you to the hardcore loyal ‘fans’ who had been in attendance at gigs way before the dawn of time!!!
Things kicked off with the ‘seminal’ ‘Numbers’, then the super ‘Wots Hot and Wots Rot’ girls got some ‘Strange 4pLay’, before a rapid fire ‘Destroyed by the Look of Love’ and Girls World, hips were swaying and toes were a tappin’, next Lucy got a dedication for her much requested ‘Fakers’… Independent Unrepentant (surely an anthem in the wings) stepped up the heat before the resurrected ‘Sweet Surprise’ (all 1 minute 40 seconds of old skool Punk rock) nearly took the roof off! Who Ray? Really sparked the dancing off which continued unbridled until the climax of finale stormer ‘I Relax to Spiral Scratch’. Through a manic ‘Dear Maniac’, brilliantly received ‘Critical Mass’ and awesome groove fest of ‘Gas Taps’….
There are too many people to thank on such a great night… Pole writhing, behind head guitar Goddery, thumping rhythms and animal print, Scratchville has scarcely been a better place to be!!!
But the real stars of the nights Critical Mass tour pinnacle, were as ever you guys who supported us. Thanks a million,
Hopefully some of you can come and see us at Endorse IT (in Dorest) in August supporting our heroes the Buzzcocks, plus the Beat and a host of other classic acts or maybe Box Rocks, if not we’ll be back in the Autumn for more mayhem, until then keep checking the website as a follow up to Critical Mass is well on its way down the pipeline!
Next Stop XFM Wales.
Much Love
The Scratch
xx
The sweat was due to the volume of people crammed into the venue, brandishing Scratch flyers, The cheers, were absolutely heartfelt and growing in intensity with each new song and the blood… well Grim who had been wielding his ‘axe’ throughout in true Jini Hendrix stylee throughout another adrenalin fueled show decided to take exception to Andy’s Tiger print coat thinking in his frenzied ‘steam glassied’ state, that the frontman was infact a nine foot Bengal big cat leaping towards him, so in a self defence flailed his beloved ‘Colonel Mustard’ guitar and crashed a glancing blow across ‘tigerman’s’ forehead precipitating a torrent of ‘claret’ to gush across the surrounding area (Ozzy eat yer heart out!)….But I digress…
As previously described the set was fast and furious, John and The Baron pumping behind the flourishing Grizzla and pole sliding ‘tigerman’ … The band had decided for this one that the set would take on a more ‘greatest hits’ feel by way of a thank you to the hardcore loyal ‘fans’ who had been in attendance at gigs way before the dawn of time!!!
Things kicked off with the ‘seminal’ ‘Numbers’, then the super ‘Wots Hot and Wots Rot’ girls got some ‘Strange 4pLay’, before a rapid fire ‘Destroyed by the Look of Love’ and Girls World, hips were swaying and toes were a tappin’, next Lucy got a dedication for her much requested ‘Fakers’… Independent Unrepentant (surely an anthem in the wings) stepped up the heat before the resurrected ‘Sweet Surprise’ (all 1 minute 40 seconds of old skool Punk rock) nearly took the roof off! Who Ray? Really sparked the dancing off which continued unbridled until the climax of finale stormer ‘I Relax to Spiral Scratch’. Through a manic ‘Dear Maniac’, brilliantly received ‘Critical Mass’ and awesome groove fest of ‘Gas Taps’….
There are too many people to thank on such a great night… Pole writhing, behind head guitar Goddery, thumping rhythms and animal print, Scratchville has scarcely been a better place to be!!!
But the real stars of the nights Critical Mass tour pinnacle, were as ever you guys who supported us. Thanks a million,
Hopefully some of you can come and see us at Endorse IT (in Dorest) in August supporting our heroes the Buzzcocks, plus the Beat and a host of other classic acts or maybe Box Rocks, if not we’ll be back in the Autumn for more mayhem, until then keep checking the website as a follow up to Critical Mass is well on its way down the pipeline!
Next Stop XFM Wales.
Much Love
The Scratch
xx
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Scratch - Critical Mass - Room 13.com review
Scratch - Critical Mass
Rated 10 out of 13 [details]
by Matt Brown
‘Critical Mass’ is the latest release from The Scratch, a four piece punk rock outfit from St Albans. Over recent years releases such as ‘Night Bus or Milk Train’ and ‘Number’ have brought the band well-deserved exposure and voiced their talent further afield than ever before through live radio performances and TV. ‘Critical Mass’ is their latest release through DIY label Ponyland Records.
The first thing that has to be said about ‘Critical Mass', is that it takes today’s music scene, gives it the middle finger and turns it back. This band has no intent of making music to fit in. Funky bass lines, and crunching guitar rhythms build throughout opening track ‘Critical Mass’ and is excellently laced with pop sensibilities. Energizing rhythms and that twist of punk create a raw feeling which is essential to the band’s sound.
‘Dear Maniac’ is personally my favourite of the two tracks with its quirky guitar sound and catchy sing along chorus. The speed of the track builds up throughout creating a frenzied feel in the final moments.
The single is available through iTunes and on CD through their website and I recommend you get it if you’re a fan of raw punk anthems. If that’s your cup of tea then I guarantee this band will leave you with a grin from ear to ear.
Track Listing
01 - Critical Mass
02 - Dear Maniac
Rated 10 out of 13 [details]
by Matt Brown
‘Critical Mass’ is the latest release from The Scratch, a four piece punk rock outfit from St Albans. Over recent years releases such as ‘Night Bus or Milk Train’ and ‘Number’ have brought the band well-deserved exposure and voiced their talent further afield than ever before through live radio performances and TV. ‘Critical Mass’ is their latest release through DIY label Ponyland Records.
The first thing that has to be said about ‘Critical Mass', is that it takes today’s music scene, gives it the middle finger and turns it back. This band has no intent of making music to fit in. Funky bass lines, and crunching guitar rhythms build throughout opening track ‘Critical Mass’ and is excellently laced with pop sensibilities. Energizing rhythms and that twist of punk create a raw feeling which is essential to the band’s sound.
‘Dear Maniac’ is personally my favourite of the two tracks with its quirky guitar sound and catchy sing along chorus. The speed of the track builds up throughout creating a frenzied feel in the final moments.
The single is available through iTunes and on CD through their website and I recommend you get it if you’re a fan of raw punk anthems. If that’s your cup of tea then I guarantee this band will leave you with a grin from ear to ear.
Track Listing
01 - Critical Mass
02 - Dear Maniac
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Hot Hot Hot - Mermaid St.Albans Sat 10th May
Dear Scratchers,
A big thanks to all those of you brave souls who despite pressure cooker conditions in the Mermaid last night stayed for the full 24 track set... it was true that a throng was congregated in the garden area but with the doors shut and curtains drawn you can't blame 'em!... it just proves you guys, like The Scratch are hewn from sterner more enduring stuff!...
It was one of those gigs that despite having to play to the 'neighbours' wishes... (the down side of inner city pub gigs), that all of those who came and chatted afterwards, were really impressed with the sound... it was a chance to let the songs shine through rather than a London style sonic assault!...
Highlights were 'Undercover', a resurgent 'Back 210' and old but now promoted to the short list for the Endorse IT festival in August (see gig list for dates) 'Sweet Surprise'...
There were many loyal, friendly faces thanks to you guys and a special thanks to the new devotees!(???)... most especially Sian and gang and Warren and Liam... hope to at least see some of you on Friday at the Bullet Bar.
Thanks again to Katie for the gig and yes we'll be back in the autumn.
All things are falling nicely into place for the big one on Friday at the Bullet Bar... the climax to the highly successful Critical Mass tour...
Don't miss it guys... it's gonna RAWK!!!
xxx
A big thanks to all those of you brave souls who despite pressure cooker conditions in the Mermaid last night stayed for the full 24 track set... it was true that a throng was congregated in the garden area but with the doors shut and curtains drawn you can't blame 'em!... it just proves you guys, like The Scratch are hewn from sterner more enduring stuff!...
It was one of those gigs that despite having to play to the 'neighbours' wishes... (the down side of inner city pub gigs), that all of those who came and chatted afterwards, were really impressed with the sound... it was a chance to let the songs shine through rather than a London style sonic assault!...
Highlights were 'Undercover', a resurgent 'Back 210' and old but now promoted to the short list for the Endorse IT festival in August (see gig list for dates) 'Sweet Surprise'...
There were many loyal, friendly faces thanks to you guys and a special thanks to the new devotees!(???)... most especially Sian and gang and Warren and Liam... hope to at least see some of you on Friday at the Bullet Bar.
Thanks again to Katie for the gig and yes we'll be back in the autumn.
All things are falling nicely into place for the big one on Friday at the Bullet Bar... the climax to the highly successful Critical Mass tour...
Don't miss it guys... it's gonna RAWK!!!
xxx
Friday, May 9, 2008
The Scratch ‘on tour’ – but the Night belongs to The Wots Hot and Wots Rot Girls and a Big Mangina!
Dear Scratchers,
On this the third booking of The Scratch at Herts Uni (formerly the Hatfield Poly). It’s about time we sent some big thanks to guys who run the show. So BIG thanks to Lee for keeping the faith, Charlotte and Ian and all crew and especially Doug ‘the Sound’ for such a great stage vollage!
The Holloways had a big bus, driven by a big guy called Tom, but Frank Turner was taller than all of the Holloways put together and Tom really rates BIG Frank!!!! BUT none of that was as BIG as the noise of Critical Mass as it came blasting from the speakers of the Font Bar’s PA system prior to the bands arrival on stage…
Despite the fact that it was exam time which is notoriously difficult to get the diligent to venture out, there was a sizeable crowd in attendance.
At this point it’s more than overdue that we mention Ciara and Dom from BBC 3 Counties Radio who as part of their ‘On tour’ feature had elected to join The Scratch for their Critical Mass tour opener. The show is being edited today and will be broadcast tonight, so listen out for what Andy has for breakfast and what a Pony Virus is!?? (Details will be on our news page later)
Thanks guys really good to meet you, some great questions. The star of the show however has to go to Sarah (Wots Hot) for plugging the band to the hilt and being promised a Bleep on the radio for a ‘rude’ word!...
With Big Jake ‘Beaver’ Mangina co-ordinating from the wings, Sir Michael 'Puff' Greenland clicking away with his zoom lens at full extension and Sam and Sarah ‘merching’ to the max resplendent in Leopard print and sequins and high cut shorts… (even without the band) the gig went a storm. Having not played live since March 23rd any fears of ring rustiness (Well there had been mention of Big holes and extensions in the run up to the gig… sorry I digress) were dispelled in an instant with an 8 track ‘greatest hits’ that the Ramones would have been proud having only clocked 22 minutes on the stage managers stop watch!
A BBC radio session and some Sassy action from the Vince girls sounds in summary to us like a really good evening... you should try it some time, it sure ain’t boring!
Next stop the Mermaid!!!!
Ps if you’re intrigued, what out for the Wots Hot and Wots Rot page coming soon to www.thescratch.co.uk … (fake) furrrrr will fly!
xxx
On this the third booking of The Scratch at Herts Uni (formerly the Hatfield Poly). It’s about time we sent some big thanks to guys who run the show. So BIG thanks to Lee for keeping the faith, Charlotte and Ian and all crew and especially Doug ‘the Sound’ for such a great stage vollage!
The Holloways had a big bus, driven by a big guy called Tom, but Frank Turner was taller than all of the Holloways put together and Tom really rates BIG Frank!!!! BUT none of that was as BIG as the noise of Critical Mass as it came blasting from the speakers of the Font Bar’s PA system prior to the bands arrival on stage…
Despite the fact that it was exam time which is notoriously difficult to get the diligent to venture out, there was a sizeable crowd in attendance.
At this point it’s more than overdue that we mention Ciara and Dom from BBC 3 Counties Radio who as part of their ‘On tour’ feature had elected to join The Scratch for their Critical Mass tour opener. The show is being edited today and will be broadcast tonight, so listen out for what Andy has for breakfast and what a Pony Virus is!?? (Details will be on our news page later)
Thanks guys really good to meet you, some great questions. The star of the show however has to go to Sarah (Wots Hot) for plugging the band to the hilt and being promised a Bleep on the radio for a ‘rude’ word!...
With Big Jake ‘Beaver’ Mangina co-ordinating from the wings, Sir Michael 'Puff' Greenland clicking away with his zoom lens at full extension and Sam and Sarah ‘merching’ to the max resplendent in Leopard print and sequins and high cut shorts… (even without the band) the gig went a storm. Having not played live since March 23rd any fears of ring rustiness (Well there had been mention of Big holes and extensions in the run up to the gig… sorry I digress) were dispelled in an instant with an 8 track ‘greatest hits’ that the Ramones would have been proud having only clocked 22 minutes on the stage managers stop watch!
A BBC radio session and some Sassy action from the Vince girls sounds in summary to us like a really good evening... you should try it some time, it sure ain’t boring!
Next stop the Mermaid!!!!
Ps if you’re intrigued, what out for the Wots Hot and Wots Rot page coming soon to www.thescratch.co.uk … (fake) furrrrr will fly!
xxx
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Voltcase Interview....
Dear Scratchers,
Here is the recent Voltcase interview Andy did, for your delectation...
http://www.voltcase.co.uk/Features/042008/voltcase_thescratch.htm
The Scratch
Following our review of indie-punk rockers The Scratch's album here, this month we chat with lead singer Andy Thompson about the launch of their brand spanking new single, Critical Mass, on May 5th.
VOLTCASE "THE SCRATCH" INTERVIEW:
Hello there! Welcome to Voltcase, how are things?
Very good thanks
So, how would you describe your sound to a stranger in three words?
Edgy, arty, pop.
Can you tell us a bit about this new 'Critical Mass' CD you've got coming out on next month?
It's a totally new version of a track from our album.
Chosen by popular demand from our live set. It's been described as possessing..."Dashed with a pristine power driven pop chassis." in one review... and who are we to argue?!
Playing with the likes of Noel Gallagher and Paul Weller are pretty big names to name-drop. Have you played with many bands or artists that are big influences on your music, and what were they like in 'real' life?
I guess from that Gig meeting Tim Burgess of The Charlatans was a real highlight, we're big fans of their music and the guy was really genuine and friendly and of course we can't forget Clint Boon, who has gone out of his way to champion our cause, he's absolutely revved up in the support of new music...
For anyone out there just starting out in a band, is there one piece of invaluable advice that you could give them to help them on their way?
Always laugh through the tears.
We try and expose as many 'unknown' bands as we can here at Voltcase, are there any unsigned bands that you've seen or played with that you think we should check out?
The Ambush
Any rock-star style stories that you can tell us about? Ever thrown a TV out of a hotel window, for example?
The Baron is a walking advert for the pit falls of rock star excess.
The book will make a good film.
If you were interviewing yourself, what question would you ask yourself? And what would the answer be?
Would you ever consider plastic surgery? Answer. No.
So, what have the Scratch got planned for the rest of the year?
After the release of Critical Mass, we've got a mini tour, then we're back in the studio recording the next single, then we've got a couple of festival dates in August, during which time we'll be recording more tracks for album 3, which we hope to release by the end of the year.
And finally, the question that we ask everyone that appears in Voltcase - what does the word 'Voltcase' mean?
Voltcase... is the term used for the secret compartment in an assassins brief case where he keeps all his ghoulish trophies.
See you chaps and chap ess's at the Uni!!
xx
Here is the recent Voltcase interview Andy did, for your delectation...
http://www.voltcase.co.uk/Features/042008/voltcase_thescratch.htm
The Scratch
Following our review of indie-punk rockers The Scratch's album here, this month we chat with lead singer Andy Thompson about the launch of their brand spanking new single, Critical Mass, on May 5th.
VOLTCASE "THE SCRATCH" INTERVIEW:
Hello there! Welcome to Voltcase, how are things?
Very good thanks
So, how would you describe your sound to a stranger in three words?
Edgy, arty, pop.
Can you tell us a bit about this new 'Critical Mass' CD you've got coming out on next month?
It's a totally new version of a track from our album.
Chosen by popular demand from our live set. It's been described as possessing..."Dashed with a pristine power driven pop chassis." in one review... and who are we to argue?!
Playing with the likes of Noel Gallagher and Paul Weller are pretty big names to name-drop. Have you played with many bands or artists that are big influences on your music, and what were they like in 'real' life?
I guess from that Gig meeting Tim Burgess of The Charlatans was a real highlight, we're big fans of their music and the guy was really genuine and friendly and of course we can't forget Clint Boon, who has gone out of his way to champion our cause, he's absolutely revved up in the support of new music...
For anyone out there just starting out in a band, is there one piece of invaluable advice that you could give them to help them on their way?
Always laugh through the tears.
We try and expose as many 'unknown' bands as we can here at Voltcase, are there any unsigned bands that you've seen or played with that you think we should check out?
The Ambush
Any rock-star style stories that you can tell us about? Ever thrown a TV out of a hotel window, for example?
The Baron is a walking advert for the pit falls of rock star excess.
The book will make a good film.
If you were interviewing yourself, what question would you ask yourself? And what would the answer be?
Would you ever consider plastic surgery? Answer. No.
So, what have the Scratch got planned for the rest of the year?
After the release of Critical Mass, we've got a mini tour, then we're back in the studio recording the next single, then we've got a couple of festival dates in August, during which time we'll be recording more tracks for album 3, which we hope to release by the end of the year.
And finally, the question that we ask everyone that appears in Voltcase - what does the word 'Voltcase' mean?
Voltcase... is the term used for the secret compartment in an assassins brief case where he keeps all his ghoulish trophies.
See you chaps and chap ess's at the Uni!!
xx
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
www.rock247online.co.uk - I think we’re alone now? I hope not Paney!
Dear Scratchers,
Hopefully you just caught Andy being interviewed live on
http://www.rock247online.co.uk... a big thanks goes out to DJ Paney who was posing the questions... if you didn't get the chance to tune in, in a really good chatty interview Andy spoke a bit about the history of the band, the M.E.N, and forthcoming news, notably the Endorse IT festival which to the bands delight has had the Buzzcocks addded to it!!!! and also a range of topics from Glasto to Paney's observation that the chorus of new single Critical Mass, reminds him of Tiffany's 1988 'cheese pop classic!' 'I think we're alone now'... (now that sure brings the retro up to date a bit eh!)... and a good idea Paney, as Andy said... maybe it's mash up time!!!?? .... In addition to the interview Paney very kindly played Dear Maniac and Critical Mass. Andy and The band would like to thank Paney and www.rock247online.co.uk for their support with the single and we hope to speak again mate.
ps Andy was in the garden and where's that beer you're just going off too!?
Cheers
The Scratch
x
Hopefully you just caught Andy being interviewed live on
http://www.rock247online.co.uk... a big thanks goes out to DJ Paney who was posing the questions... if you didn't get the chance to tune in, in a really good chatty interview Andy spoke a bit about the history of the band, the M.E.N, and forthcoming news, notably the Endorse IT festival which to the bands delight has had the Buzzcocks addded to it!!!! and also a range of topics from Glasto to Paney's observation that the chorus of new single Critical Mass, reminds him of Tiffany's 1988 'cheese pop classic!' 'I think we're alone now'... (now that sure brings the retro up to date a bit eh!)... and a good idea Paney, as Andy said... maybe it's mash up time!!!?? .... In addition to the interview Paney very kindly played Dear Maniac and Critical Mass. Andy and The band would like to thank Paney and www.rock247online.co.uk for their support with the single and we hope to speak again mate.
ps Andy was in the garden and where's that beer you're just going off too!?
Cheers
The Scratch
x
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
More Phil Orange Radio play - Dear Maniac this weekend!
Dear Scratchers,
Just to let you know that Dear Maniac will be featured on the Phil Orange Show on Sat 12th April and Mon 14th April 2008
The Orange Radio Show every Saturday at 11am and Monday at 8pm (BST) on www. rivergibbsfm. com global internet radio. 2 hours of new and rare tracks from unsigned bands from around the world. Repeated throughout the week, check show times on the web-site. or check out the www. myspace. com/rivergibbsfm
Following on from a play of Erotomaniac from our DIY album last week.
Great stuff Phil thanks again mate.
x
Just to let you know that Dear Maniac will be featured on the Phil Orange Show on Sat 12th April and Mon 14th April 2008
The Orange Radio Show every Saturday at 11am and Monday at 8pm (BST) on www. rivergibbsfm. com global internet radio. 2 hours of new and rare tracks from unsigned bands from around the world. Repeated throughout the week, check show times on the web-site. or check out the www. myspace. com/rivergibbsfm
Following on from a play of Erotomaniac from our DIY album last week.
Great stuff Phil thanks again mate.
x
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
STUNNNNNNNING! Losing Today review of Critical Mass
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Dear Scratchers,
If all the hard work was summed up and legitamised in one review....
The Scratch "Critical Mass" (Ponyland). Last appearing in these very pages via their awesome 10 inch "X-Ray Eyes" (Missive 35) the follow up of course to their storming Buzzcock-ian debut "I relax to spiral scratch" (missive 26 in case you’re taking notes) though we are slightly miffed and grumbling aplenty at missing out on their full length "night bus or milk train" and the "numbers" single that they managed o squeeze out between then and now - alas though its not for us to shout the odds - the barstids. That said disagreeable muttering aside what better way to re-acquaint ourselves with St Albans finest foursome than with two spanking slabs of the - to be filed under the dogs bollocks - part of the listening section Still excavating the refined retro sounds of the 70’s "Critical Mass" is a searing slice of bad boogie all at once excitable, energetic and effervescent, laced with more hooks than a butchers walk in freezer this blistering babe swaggers, swoons and will no doubt shag your girlfriend when you back is turned such is its smouldering high impact uber coolness. Dashed with a pristine power driven pop chassis replete with licks lifted from the arse pocket of Ronson (that’ll be Mick as opposed to Mark) Critical Mass" is so blatantly out of step with current trads and trends that’s it disturbingly refreshing like some coming together fusion of New York’s Ambulance LTD and the Crimea, the Scratch are literally in a different time zone and pissing through the fence over the oncoming competition. Hell we haven’t even mentioned the oh so "Suffragette City" era Bowie references. A killer thing. Flip cut "dear maniac"€™ is even better, no fat or fillers here these kids are literally shitting transistor trouncing tunes by the hundred weight. Featuring crookedly skewif codas doused in odd art pop / new wave nuances sourced from vintage moments found on late 70’s era TOTP re-runs - think Devoto meets Pirroni but with the impish mindset of Stewart Copeland’s Klark Klent alter ego all converging to eke out a disorienting but devilishly dishy slice of awkward sonic sea sickness that possesses about its wares subtle Bolan-esque shimmies before erupting into a frenzied but mightily admirable anxiety riddled attrition lashed finale. Absolutely feckin’ essential.
stunning
mark
Mark you’re a superstar!
xxx
Dear Scratchers,
If all the hard work was summed up and legitamised in one review....
The Scratch "Critical Mass" (Ponyland). Last appearing in these very pages via their awesome 10 inch "X-Ray Eyes" (Missive 35) the follow up of course to their storming Buzzcock-ian debut "I relax to spiral scratch" (missive 26 in case you’re taking notes) though we are slightly miffed and grumbling aplenty at missing out on their full length "night bus or milk train" and the "numbers" single that they managed o squeeze out between then and now - alas though its not for us to shout the odds - the barstids. That said disagreeable muttering aside what better way to re-acquaint ourselves with St Albans finest foursome than with two spanking slabs of the - to be filed under the dogs bollocks - part of the listening section Still excavating the refined retro sounds of the 70’s "Critical Mass" is a searing slice of bad boogie all at once excitable, energetic and effervescent, laced with more hooks than a butchers walk in freezer this blistering babe swaggers, swoons and will no doubt shag your girlfriend when you back is turned such is its smouldering high impact uber coolness. Dashed with a pristine power driven pop chassis replete with licks lifted from the arse pocket of Ronson (that’ll be Mick as opposed to Mark) Critical Mass" is so blatantly out of step with current trads and trends that’s it disturbingly refreshing like some coming together fusion of New York’s Ambulance LTD and the Crimea, the Scratch are literally in a different time zone and pissing through the fence over the oncoming competition. Hell we haven’t even mentioned the oh so "Suffragette City" era Bowie references. A killer thing. Flip cut "dear maniac"€™ is even better, no fat or fillers here these kids are literally shitting transistor trouncing tunes by the hundred weight. Featuring crookedly skewif codas doused in odd art pop / new wave nuances sourced from vintage moments found on late 70’s era TOTP re-runs - think Devoto meets Pirroni but with the impish mindset of Stewart Copeland’s Klark Klent alter ego all converging to eke out a disorienting but devilishly dishy slice of awkward sonic sea sickness that possesses about its wares subtle Bolan-esque shimmies before erupting into a frenzied but mightily admirable anxiety riddled attrition lashed finale. Absolutely feckin’ essential.
stunning
mark
Mark you’re a superstar!
xxx
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
‘Egg-Static’ Easter continues at Bar 62!
Part 2 of the weekends gig fun, began with the band loading the gear only to be confronted by a rather cross eyedly drunk bloke asking if it was going to be Karaoke later!!!! – Now that is the down side of pub gigs… Karaoke and crossededly drunk blokes…
Undaunted, infact buoyed by the 'lively' atmosphere, nay elated at the sight of 'our Tina' off her sick bed, with a surprise visit from Manchester (just as we like to see her with a bottle of beer in each hand!) The Scratch took their second 24 track gig in two days with more 'wide eyed, gyrating, gusto'… this the third pub name for the same venue that Andy had played in over his 'distinguished, career!'… started a storm and with many a friendly face looking on (thank you as ever to all!) continued in similar vein to the last (Dear Maniac) and even resulted in Andy taking a spontaneous toilet break during the thrashy end section of the song, to much merriment from the assembled throng….
It had been a concern, the old vocal chords for this mammoth set list repeated less than 24 hours apart, but a mixture of adrenalin and exuberance saw the band complete one of the most satisfying weekends in its history with firey vigour… all this topped with CD sales and very well in fact wide-eyed awe of badge giveaways at the end gave a warm Easter glow to the hearts of all concerned.
Thanks again to everyone for all your support. Big Thanks to Neil, John and James.
Cu all at the Mermaid on 10th May?!
xx
Undaunted, infact buoyed by the 'lively' atmosphere, nay elated at the sight of 'our Tina' off her sick bed, with a surprise visit from Manchester (just as we like to see her with a bottle of beer in each hand!) The Scratch took their second 24 track gig in two days with more 'wide eyed, gyrating, gusto'… this the third pub name for the same venue that Andy had played in over his 'distinguished, career!'… started a storm and with many a friendly face looking on (thank you as ever to all!) continued in similar vein to the last (Dear Maniac) and even resulted in Andy taking a spontaneous toilet break during the thrashy end section of the song, to much merriment from the assembled throng….
It had been a concern, the old vocal chords for this mammoth set list repeated less than 24 hours apart, but a mixture of adrenalin and exuberance saw the band complete one of the most satisfying weekends in its history with firey vigour… all this topped with CD sales and very well in fact wide-eyed awe of badge giveaways at the end gave a warm Easter glow to the hearts of all concerned.
Thanks again to everyone for all your support. Big Thanks to Neil, John and James.
Cu all at the Mermaid on 10th May?!
xx
Monday, March 24, 2008
Pub rock is back!!!!!
Pub Rock is BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear Scratchers,
Hey Rock’n’Roll! Now that was a great weekend of gigging… if you include the rehearsal that was a 72 song set weekend!!!!!!
Part 1 – The Queen’s Head Box ROCKS!!.
This on the was on the face of it a friendly home banker of a gig down the Baron’s local… in actuality it was one of The Scratch’s finest hours and banished any faded memories of the Turnmills experience… if that was ’the toilet circuit’ this was the warm fire, pickled eggs and full on rock’n’roll circuit.
Dean the landlord had done a great job of setting the PA, the Baron’s drum riser on top of the pool table and a ’flickr’ image montage that flashed up amongst others the fantastic pics of the M.E.N. during the bands performance, what a contrast a year, but with the reaction from the opening track Dial Xero, every bit as enjoyable….
24 tracks as you can imagine did take some real head scratching organisation. Many of the songs either hadn’t been played ever before, or had been ’rested’ for over 4 years, as was the case with the ’spine tinglingly’ triumphant return of Back to 10.
A sign of how well received the band was, was the offer from Dean of a place on the Box Rocks festival on August band holiday a local festival that regularly attracts over a thousand people.
It’s too hard to pick out all the highlights, but the site of a pub full of locals virtually ’nutting’ the bar during the punk thrash of Sweet Surprise was a site to behold… having previously been conscious that there was another full 24 tracks to be played the night after in St.Albans all thoughts of taking it easy were dispelled by the huge and rapturous applause and spontaneous clammer of ’ENCORE’… resulting in a super charged finale of ’classic’ debut single I relax to Spiral Scratch!
What a great night and even better, the majority of it was filmed too by film maker Sir Michael ’Puff’ Greenland who was in town to record footage of the band, for the upcoming video of next single Critical Mass…. There is much bonus footage in the offing too… with the Baron’s ’white flipper’ shoes, looking sure to make a star appearance!
So on behalf of The band, we’d like to say a huge thanks to everyone who stayed, danced and bought CD’s on a night that truly restores the faith in Rock’n’Roll!
See in August for Box Rocks guys!
The Scratch
xxx
Dear Scratchers,
Hey Rock’n’Roll! Now that was a great weekend of gigging… if you include the rehearsal that was a 72 song set weekend!!!!!!
Part 1 – The Queen’s Head Box ROCKS!!.
This on the was on the face of it a friendly home banker of a gig down the Baron’s local… in actuality it was one of The Scratch’s finest hours and banished any faded memories of the Turnmills experience… if that was ’the toilet circuit’ this was the warm fire, pickled eggs and full on rock’n’roll circuit.
Dean the landlord had done a great job of setting the PA, the Baron’s drum riser on top of the pool table and a ’flickr’ image montage that flashed up amongst others the fantastic pics of the M.E.N. during the bands performance, what a contrast a year, but with the reaction from the opening track Dial Xero, every bit as enjoyable….
24 tracks as you can imagine did take some real head scratching organisation. Many of the songs either hadn’t been played ever before, or had been ’rested’ for over 4 years, as was the case with the ’spine tinglingly’ triumphant return of Back to 10.
A sign of how well received the band was, was the offer from Dean of a place on the Box Rocks festival on August band holiday a local festival that regularly attracts over a thousand people.
It’s too hard to pick out all the highlights, but the site of a pub full of locals virtually ’nutting’ the bar during the punk thrash of Sweet Surprise was a site to behold… having previously been conscious that there was another full 24 tracks to be played the night after in St.Albans all thoughts of taking it easy were dispelled by the huge and rapturous applause and spontaneous clammer of ’ENCORE’… resulting in a super charged finale of ’classic’ debut single I relax to Spiral Scratch!
What a great night and even better, the majority of it was filmed too by film maker Sir Michael ’Puff’ Greenland who was in town to record footage of the band, for the upcoming video of next single Critical Mass…. There is much bonus footage in the offing too… with the Baron’s ’white flipper’ shoes, looking sure to make a star appearance!
So on behalf of The band, we’d like to say a huge thanks to everyone who stayed, danced and bought CD’s on a night that truly restores the faith in Rock’n’Roll!
See in August for Box Rocks guys!
The Scratch
xxx
Thursday, March 20, 2008
An eclectic night on the tiles atTurnmills
Eclectic… isn’t the word for the line up tonight… 'Albany' are ‘Jazzy’ Coldplay/Keane style shoegazers, headliners 'Skate City Rockers' are a 4 piece electro outfit 3 girls, one guy a guitar and an ipod and your redoubtable rock'n’roll heroes The Scratch. Who as you have come to realise will not let amp failure, dodgy guts or hawthorne bush accidents!!!!! get in the way of a rockin roll riot! Once again ‘pick of the pops’ is who Ray? muted as a future single, endorsed by the biggest reception of the night, other pick is Critical Mass the actual next single. Many, many thanks to all who came and supported us the new kids on the block and the hardest hardcore in town, our gratitude overfloweth.
What a lovely building Turnmills was housed in, beautiful tiles on the walls… RIP
Next stop two 24 track gigs in two nights… the question is can The Scratch remember 24 whole tracks… see you in Box or St.Albans for the answers!!!!!!
What a lovely building Turnmills was housed in, beautiful tiles on the walls… RIP
Next stop two 24 track gigs in two nights… the question is can The Scratch remember 24 whole tracks… see you in Box or St.Albans for the answers!!!!!!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Dry Bar, Manchester, Thumping good rock'n'Roll!
Dear Scratchers,
The omens had looked 'supercalerfragalisticexpalidociously' great prior to our latest trip to our Northern HQ, following Mr.Boons efforts for us on XFM the night before.
Ok it was raining, but that's nothing new... but the wind! ... anyway I won't go into detail about four blokes and a curry sleeping in one room at our Tina's!...it must be noted, that said Tina, our Angel of the north, has been ill since christmas with an as yet undiagnosed kidney complaint, which had seemed to hamper our promotion for the gig somewhat, so it was a bit of a trip into the unknown, as we unloaded the gear into the Dry Bar.
It would be fair to say, that we have played to bigger crowds in Manchester (last year 30th of March!), but it's hard to remember, excluding that date a more enjoyable one, despite the 8.15 early slot. Girls once again outnumbered the guys, but this time by at least 90%!!!!
By track 3 Dial Xero, we even had Graham the soundman venturing from behind the mixing desk up and groovin' on the dance floor.
The fun grew to a pique during Who Ray? however, when Andy decided to leap the crash barrier in front of the stage... he launched forward with all his weight on one of the two nestled railings, but they came apart as he moved forward and catapulted him, through the air and he landed on the dance floor 'with an audible thud!'... with aplomb however, he leapt to his feet and was up and grooving with the 'kids' for a few bars and back on stage to finish the song.
The set was completed by Dear Maniac, leaving much a whoopin and a hollerin from the dazed on lookers.
Numbers CD's were handed out as promised and very gratefully received. We chatted to a couple of the crowd afterwards, namely the 'brilliantly haired' Arran and the 'beautifully hipped boogie' of Charlotte. thanks for the kind words and really great to meet you. Yes Arran, we'll check your myspace. look forward to hearing the Deities and catching you live at some point and yes Charlotte an album, badges and a t-shirt are yours, we just need an address to post them too.
Finally a massive thanks to Tina's mate the wonderfully named Merrily ( I hope we spelt it right?), you're a star, we owe you the beers when we return (soon we hope!).
And of course last but never least Tina, thanks for putting us up, arranging everything and working so hard even when you're ill! Get well soon lovey. Gigs ain't the same without you in the crowd!
Can't wait to be back, those who missed us, we'll see you next time!
The Scratch
xx
The omens had looked 'supercalerfragalisticexpalidociously' great prior to our latest trip to our Northern HQ, following Mr.Boons efforts for us on XFM the night before.
Ok it was raining, but that's nothing new... but the wind! ... anyway I won't go into detail about four blokes and a curry sleeping in one room at our Tina's!...it must be noted, that said Tina, our Angel of the north, has been ill since christmas with an as yet undiagnosed kidney complaint, which had seemed to hamper our promotion for the gig somewhat, so it was a bit of a trip into the unknown, as we unloaded the gear into the Dry Bar.
It would be fair to say, that we have played to bigger crowds in Manchester (last year 30th of March!), but it's hard to remember, excluding that date a more enjoyable one, despite the 8.15 early slot. Girls once again outnumbered the guys, but this time by at least 90%!!!!
By track 3 Dial Xero, we even had Graham the soundman venturing from behind the mixing desk up and groovin' on the dance floor.
The fun grew to a pique during Who Ray? however, when Andy decided to leap the crash barrier in front of the stage... he launched forward with all his weight on one of the two nestled railings, but they came apart as he moved forward and catapulted him, through the air and he landed on the dance floor 'with an audible thud!'... with aplomb however, he leapt to his feet and was up and grooving with the 'kids' for a few bars and back on stage to finish the song.
The set was completed by Dear Maniac, leaving much a whoopin and a hollerin from the dazed on lookers.
Numbers CD's were handed out as promised and very gratefully received. We chatted to a couple of the crowd afterwards, namely the 'brilliantly haired' Arran and the 'beautifully hipped boogie' of Charlotte. thanks for the kind words and really great to meet you. Yes Arran, we'll check your myspace. look forward to hearing the Deities and catching you live at some point and yes Charlotte an album, badges and a t-shirt are yours, we just need an address to post them too.
Finally a massive thanks to Tina's mate the wonderfully named Merrily ( I hope we spelt it right?), you're a star, we owe you the beers when we return (soon we hope!).
And of course last but never least Tina, thanks for putting us up, arranging everything and working so hard even when you're ill! Get well soon lovey. Gigs ain't the same without you in the crowd!
Can't wait to be back, those who missed us, we'll see you next time!
The Scratch
xx
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