Dear Scratchers,
The rumours that have echoed the halls of Scratch towers and reverberated incessantly through the entire music industry since Christmas came to a raucous clarity on Sunday night at a 'secret' Scratch gig at St.Albans Bar 62... where the band 'rockin' rolled out it's famous 24 track set, to a joyous leaping throng of party goers!!! Resplendent in 1980's Grange Hill uniform the boy Whittaker slashed/yelped and mockneyed his way through (including a 2 hour rehearsal) 4 hours of big Scratch power!!! to firmly stamp his diminutive mark on the band, raising temperatures and lowering the average age by well over half! Welcome to the Whitster... come see the Freashow's next performance at the Dublin Castle!!!
Hope you had a great Birthday Sian...
Gawd bless ya!
xx
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Against the Grain... the ONLY review you need read!
Dear Scratchers, Please find below the only review you need to read of Against the Grain, from the amazingly inciteful losingtoday.com
The Scratch ‘against the grain’ (pony land). The return of one of our favourite turntable obsessions of recent years, the Scratch have on more than one occasion flattened us into states of jaw dropped fondness within these pages. Despatching a high end pedigree of pop grooved new wave the Scratch sound like renegades from another pop age time tunnelled into the present and brandishing an impeccable arsenal of hook laden nuggets and whistle-able sub three minute anthems whose prime directive it would seem - aside that is wearing your stylus blunt - is to drive you to the limits of distraction. Both ’against the grain’ and its flip cut ’cool in an uncool way’ bristle with the trademark class of Scratch releases of yore, the former seductively swooning ’n’ swaggering and proving to be a hitherto instantaneously shot of delirious radio friendly new wave buzz laced power pop over-turing that catches light with the same acutely knowing melodic symmetry of the much missed Motors from yesteryear albeit here found peaking over the shoulder of the Flamin’ Groovies and comparing notes whilst shoehorning into the mix some neatly drilled strut riffed ear candy and MOR harmonies.
In sharp contrast the hot rod boogie of ’cool in an uncool way’ yelps, coos, pouts and preens its way in to your psyche and burns the grooves in the process to sound not unlike a preened, primed n’ stripped to the bone early career Reverend Horton Heat who aside sounding like some 50’s wet dream homage sublimely manages to not only veer into the same retro glazed avenues similarly occupied by Pirroni’s much admired Wolfmen but craftily echoes of the ghost of Bators former charges the Dead Boys and the Lords of the New Church while happily showing off its Vanian like Damned / Phantom Chords implants. In short devilishly cool stuff from the practitioners of perfect pop. www. thescratch. co. uk
Huge thanks to Mark
The Scratch ‘against the grain’ (pony land). The return of one of our favourite turntable obsessions of recent years, the Scratch have on more than one occasion flattened us into states of jaw dropped fondness within these pages. Despatching a high end pedigree of pop grooved new wave the Scratch sound like renegades from another pop age time tunnelled into the present and brandishing an impeccable arsenal of hook laden nuggets and whistle-able sub three minute anthems whose prime directive it would seem - aside that is wearing your stylus blunt - is to drive you to the limits of distraction. Both ’against the grain’ and its flip cut ’cool in an uncool way’ bristle with the trademark class of Scratch releases of yore, the former seductively swooning ’n’ swaggering and proving to be a hitherto instantaneously shot of delirious radio friendly new wave buzz laced power pop over-turing that catches light with the same acutely knowing melodic symmetry of the much missed Motors from yesteryear albeit here found peaking over the shoulder of the Flamin’ Groovies and comparing notes whilst shoehorning into the mix some neatly drilled strut riffed ear candy and MOR harmonies.
In sharp contrast the hot rod boogie of ’cool in an uncool way’ yelps, coos, pouts and preens its way in to your psyche and burns the grooves in the process to sound not unlike a preened, primed n’ stripped to the bone early career Reverend Horton Heat who aside sounding like some 50’s wet dream homage sublimely manages to not only veer into the same retro glazed avenues similarly occupied by Pirroni’s much admired Wolfmen but craftily echoes of the ghost of Bators former charges the Dead Boys and the Lords of the New Church while happily showing off its Vanian like Damned / Phantom Chords implants. In short devilishly cool stuff from the practitioners of perfect pop. www. thescratch. co. uk
Huge thanks to Mark
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Amateur Hour with Huge Davenport!
Dear Scratchers, hope you had the chance to catch Andy and John last night on CRMK radio, where the chaps too over the Hugh Davenport show... despite plenty of pontification and general jovialilty no less than 26 faves, tips and influences were squeezed into a great fun two hours... Hugh was given a couple of exclusives along the way, namely the announcement of Steve Whittaker a great friend of the band, who is officially joining the fold on 25th Jan and also a live London appearance at Camden's Dublin Castle on the Fierce Panda Club Fandango night on Tuesday Feb 17th... there were also dedications to the late great Ron Asheton of The Stooges and fellow CRMK DJ 'The Groover', the stations resident T.Rex guru (it's rumoured he could rival Andy in the fan stakes!) Here's the full track listing of the show...
Commando - The Ramones...
Love you More - Buzzcocks...
Remake Remodel - Roxy Music...
Swastika Eyes - Primal Scream...
Set me free - The Kinks...
Every Second Counts - Switches...
Hello Sunshine - Super Furry Animals...
Free not free - Clinic...
The Bomb - New Young Pony Club...
Girls and Boys - Blur...
In the Heat of the morning - David Bowie...
Jigsaw Feeling - Siouxsie and the Banshees...
In one ear - Cage the Elephant...
Quiet life - Japan...
Against the Grain - The Scratch...
Cartrouble - Adam and the Ants...
Rip off - T.Rex...
A letter to Dominique - Louis XIV...
Slow Death - Flaming Groovies...
Candy Skin - Fire Engines...
Aisha - Death in Vegas...
Search and Destroy - The Stooges...
Amateur Hour - Sparks...
Out Faking the Fakers - The Scratch...
Serve the Servants - Nirvana...
Sunday Morning - Velvet Underground...
Once again great big thanks to Hugh, we look forward to the next one. See you at the Golblade gig, where we aim to furnish you with a copy of DIY and of course an extra extra large t-shirt! Hugh has made forthcoming single Against the Grain, his single of the month 'gawd bless im!'x
Commando - The Ramones...
Love you More - Buzzcocks...
Remake Remodel - Roxy Music...
Swastika Eyes - Primal Scream...
Set me free - The Kinks...
Every Second Counts - Switches...
Hello Sunshine - Super Furry Animals...
Free not free - Clinic...
The Bomb - New Young Pony Club...
Girls and Boys - Blur...
In the Heat of the morning - David Bowie...
Jigsaw Feeling - Siouxsie and the Banshees...
In one ear - Cage the Elephant...
Quiet life - Japan...
Against the Grain - The Scratch...
Cartrouble - Adam and the Ants...
Rip off - T.Rex...
A letter to Dominique - Louis XIV...
Slow Death - Flaming Groovies...
Candy Skin - Fire Engines...
Aisha - Death in Vegas...
Search and Destroy - The Stooges...
Amateur Hour - Sparks...
Out Faking the Fakers - The Scratch...
Serve the Servants - Nirvana...
Sunday Morning - Velvet Underground...
Once again great big thanks to Hugh, we look forward to the next one. See you at the Golblade gig, where we aim to furnish you with a copy of DIY and of course an extra extra large t-shirt! Hugh has made forthcoming single Against the Grain, his single of the month 'gawd bless im!'x
Friday, December 19, 2008
Horn SO BIG, it splits Andy's strides!
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
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
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
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