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

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

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

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