As ever with nights like this their is so much anticipation the weight of it threatens to blow your mind! Last nights album launch do, came as close as any gig by The Scratch to do that... what a fantastic atmosphere, what an amazing crowd and what amazing performances by the bands! And SO great to have Tina back on the scene!
The first surprise of a breathless evening was how prompt all the bands were for soundcheck!... it's become a standing joke on the inside of Scratch central that they are the only band around who adhere to soundcheck times!... but not last night! (boring and adminy I know, but, all these things help when you're running a do like this) ... before going any further we must say a big thanks to Bill Johnson for stepping in behind the mixing desk as the expected soundman had called in sick an hour earlier.
The Recharged Radio crew were already setting up ready for their live broadcast! when surprise number two appeared from the ether! As Andy took a call from Kelly Betts producer of BBC 3 Counties Introducing show, informing us that a BBC outside broadcast team were en-route to the Horn to interview Andy live on their show. A flurry of excitement ensued as Ian and crew erected their giant mast on the pavement outside the pub!... Great stuff, what with the big write ups in the local press too, this was fast becoming our best covered local gig!
Back in the Horn Recharged Radio (the best unsigned radio station around btw if we hadn't said that already!) had begun their live broadcast, Andy and Jord took 5 minutes following The Scratch soundcheck to set the scene. With much promising to watch the expletives, as the gig was going out live....
It seemed only 5 minutes had elapsed, but 8.30 was upon us and We are White Worm, were soon kicking off the show in fine style, not least cos they'd been baking prior to the gig and had laid out a fine array of fairy cakes on the front edge of the stage spelling out a launch party eulogy! (Great idea guys! nice cakes too, no that's not you Mark!) Don't be mislead however, bristling with new material, the normally placid lead singer 'Gez' Cheadle growled Cobainesqe through a furious set as the gyration-al Wasabi Penis led his rhythm buddies in a pied piper like dance of icing sugared glee. Undoubtably their finest night of Scratch supportage.
Next up the sumptuous Minki and her 50ft Women!... GRrrrrroowwllll! Resplendent in cat suit and chiffon; the Minkster, slinked and swooned her way through an excellent set, new eps, launch party's and a tightening of the bands dress code, made for a fantastic sassy performance... we can't wait for Bar 62 already!!!! (Fri 22 October, where 50ft Woman support The Scratch for a second time)..
The night was truly rocking. So much so, by the time the youthful cool of Khalazars took to the stage, the venue was beginning to gently creak under the weight of numbers! I don't know what it was, but this night seemed to have a different kind of magic about it... all the bands were playing 'personal bests!'... not least Khalazar who, despite missing heartthrob bassist Brett Howell, had the crowd transfixed with their new rocking revolution. (Anyone who'd been indifferent about their previous incarnation Herringbones, would have been blown away, by their re-birth). Despite pain killers for a back injury (its all down hill from 21 onwards mate!) Miles Howell was on excellent vocal form and being backed brilliantly by brother Taylor on drums, Harry on guitar and the new slightly smaller but no less solid Brett on bass... I can't wait for the debut ep... infact I can't wait for ep's from all of these bands!!!
Thankfully we shouldn't have to wait too long to hear how good they were, as they should all be available on the next Recharged Radio podcast download... Don't worry we'll keep you all informed!
Now as the clock ticked close to 11... it was time for the main event. The Scratch, were ready, willing and about to show how able! With Steve causing mischief sporting new spangly guitar, Super trouncing the drums into the brand new stage carpet, Grizz characteristically jerking, John visibly throbbing, and Andy as ever tearing the script to pieces!
Kicking off with a Lucy Davies* double header of Fakers and Against the grain, the tone was set. Rammed to the front of the stage, standing room gave way to the dancers... as a set intertwined with newies, DIY 'classics' and the greatest hits 'golden run' grew in momentum. Desire to be thin, Weirder than we are and probably new highlight 88th Day of Rain stood up brilliantly alongside Critical Mass, Dear Maniac and Teen Idol, with the returning Texture to the flava, probably taking the DIY gold medal on the night... before a quick-fire encore volley of Homely Crackle, a curiously disjointed Independent Unrepentant (not sure that double chorus goes there Andy!?) and a rousing Gas Taps, which saw the aforementioned one showered in glitter following an impromptu self dowsing in ice cold water! Breathless stuff! The only slight disappointment being loss of the 100% non swearing on the radio record... but by then most people were too danced out or drunk too care!
And that Dear Scratchers was that! DIY partied to the max!
Huge thanks to everyone who made the night so great not least the 81 people who bought advance tickets for the party. You guys ROCK!
Hopefully catch you tomorrow at the Boot for a matinee performance 5-7 for our hundredth gig of The Scratch and a 26 track set for the official download release day of DIY and best of all it's FREE entry!
xx
* if you don't know who Lucy is, you ain't being payin attention at our gigs for the last 5 years!
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