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
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
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!
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