The Scratch Interview
Thu Nov 19 06:58:50 2009
The Scratch Interview
by Abi Plunkett
Room Thirteen caught up with The Scratch for a chat. Andy Scratch was kind enough to answer some questions so we could delve deeper into The Scratch. Here's what he had to say:
R13: For those that don't know you yet, can you sum up The Scratch in one sentence?
Andy Scratch: Five blokes addicted to music. Independent! Unrepentant!
R13: How did you all meet and how did The Scratch come to be?
AS: John and Grim were mates from a previous band. I met John at a party and got chatting about music. The three of us decided to form a band. I then met the Baron at a wedding and he joined in on drums. Steve, who used to work with Andy, is the newest addition. He joined the band after standing in for the Baron on the video shoot for our track ‘Against the Grain’.
R13: What sort of music did you listen to when you were growing up?
AS: All kinds from Be Bop Deluxe to T.Rex, from The Specials to The Damned, from New Wave through to Acid House, Grunge and Brit Pop… a whole lot of different bands…
R13: Have any of these artists influenced your sound or have you been inspired by other acts?
AS: I think we sometimes get pigeon-holed in the late 70’s sound. Sure we were influenced by punk and new wave, but equally, by the Kinks, Bowie, Blur and Happy Mondays.
R13: 2009 saw you releasing your third album; have you been pleased with the response to the new album?
AS: It’s funny. Unlike our previous two albums that have been generally really well received, it’s done the Marmite thing: either people have got it or not. The great reviews have been really great, though.
R13: Having the rave reviews from the live shows to your latest album, does this ever put pressure on you?
AS: No, ‘cos at the end of the day, there’s absolutely no pretence with us. We aren’t wannabes. We are what we are: 5 hard working blokes with a sense of humour who love writing, recording and playing live. We’d like to think and hope that comes across.
R13: You're based in the London area, which can be a big place for emerging bands to make a name for themselves; do you feel that the London music scene is a supportive one?
AS: Funnily enough this year, other than our successes on tour dates Unsigned Chart; we’ve kept the London dates to the minimum. Due to the huge saturation on the circuit, we’ve concentrated more on our home town of St. Albans and have played 4 hugely successful residency shows putting on our own bands at The Horn. These include tempting Goldblade and Clint Boon down from Manchester to play.
R13: How would you describe your live shows to someone who has not seen you before?
AS: Explosive, beer stained, chaotic, funny, exciting, fun, and unpredictable.
R13: What makes a live show great? How much does an audience contribute?
AS: The ingredients for a good show are simple: 50% band, 50% audience. It doesn’t matter how good the band is if there’s no-one there to see it which is why we work so hard to get people down to our nights.
R13: Are there any goals that you want to achieve musically? What would you like to bring to the music industry?
AS: Obviously, it would be great to develop our label, to give up the day jobs and devote even more time to all our projects. We’d like to bring back The Factory, New Hormones, DIY spirit back, make things collectable again, vinyl, badges… be cult.
R13: Are you a fan of social networking sites and do you believe they are the best way for a new act like to break through?
AS: We are and we believe they are a great way of doing so, but you still need contacts and 90% luck. It’s a marathon but very satisfying when you reach the stadium and hear the crowd cheering you home!
R13: As 2009 starts drawing to a close, what's been your highlight of the year so far?
AS: Hard to pick one, but in a nutshell if you don’t mind, it’s hard to pick only one from… Our gigs with Goldblade and Clint in St. Albans, releasing the third album, our London Tour dates number ones, playing In the City in Manchester again! And the endorsement quote from Marco Pirroni (big hero!) topped the lot!
R13: What are your plans for future; anything on the cards for 2010?
AS: Next up we are going to be re-releasing/remastering our little known first album DIY for the iTunes generation… we’re putting out a limited 100 7” vinyl of our debut single ‘I Relax to Spiral Scratch’ and adding a couple of new mixes. Plus we've already started work writing new stuff for the next album... so yeah…bring on 2010!
R13: Finally, is there anything you want to let the fans and the people soon to be fans know about The Scratch?
AS: If you like good old fashioned Rock’n’Roll, delivered with an electronic twizzle, a swagger and more than a dash of humour… check us out!
The Scratch’s album ‘Whatever Happened to Friday Night?’ is out now and you can follow the band at www.thescratch.co.uk or www.myspace.com/thescratch.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
A mother 333 of a show!
Dear Scratchers,
It was with not a little fire in the mind, that The Scratch took to the 'floor' at mother bar last night, stung or at least a little indignant at having to drop Dial Xero from the set, due to a rambling performance from the previous band... (urggggg)... however, as long as long as its channelled, anger can be an EN-ER-GY... and on this occasion it was and positively so!...
The assembled throng, of hand picked Hoxton, die hard Scratchettes, PR and Radio aficionados were treated to a 12 track set that spanned the 7 years of the bands output to date. From Alcohol's a depressant to Teen Idol, The Scratch delivered a veritable fondant fancy of a show, served up with a crashing Dear Maniac posing as the glistening the cherry!
By the close, there was a furious frenzied vibe bouncing from the flock wall paper, off the windows, round the mirrors and back off the crowd, as the writhing Andy (entangled in beer soaked mic stand and black tie combo), and the almost literally 'fly on the window' routine from the 'Jack in a box' Filthmeister brought finale Smell the Gas Taps to a howling cresendo... to coin an appropriate phrase for the surroundings, it was 'vintage' Scratch!
Great big thanks to Jord for coming down after Andy had previously appeared on his recharged radio show, (featuring a rare, but welcome outing for Undercover!), to Lana for bringing her elegant entourage, gorgeous Rosie and her fairy dust felines, the marvelous, Mr.Mckewan, celebrity duo Ryan & Kelly, Smoky J and all the others who bopped, sang and boogied on a truly enjoyable night in the smoke.
So, one more to go for 09, let's absolutely ram the Horn guys, lets party like it 2 THOU SAND and 9!!!!
xx
It was with not a little fire in the mind, that The Scratch took to the 'floor' at mother bar last night, stung or at least a little indignant at having to drop Dial Xero from the set, due to a rambling performance from the previous band... (urggggg)... however, as long as long as its channelled, anger can be an EN-ER-GY... and on this occasion it was and positively so!...
The assembled throng, of hand picked Hoxton, die hard Scratchettes, PR and Radio aficionados were treated to a 12 track set that spanned the 7 years of the bands output to date. From Alcohol's a depressant to Teen Idol, The Scratch delivered a veritable fondant fancy of a show, served up with a crashing Dear Maniac posing as the glistening the cherry!
By the close, there was a furious frenzied vibe bouncing from the flock wall paper, off the windows, round the mirrors and back off the crowd, as the writhing Andy (entangled in beer soaked mic stand and black tie combo), and the almost literally 'fly on the window' routine from the 'Jack in a box' Filthmeister brought finale Smell the Gas Taps to a howling cresendo... to coin an appropriate phrase for the surroundings, it was 'vintage' Scratch!
Great big thanks to Jord for coming down after Andy had previously appeared on his recharged radio show, (featuring a rare, but welcome outing for Undercover!), to Lana for bringing her elegant entourage, gorgeous Rosie and her fairy dust felines, the marvelous, Mr.Mckewan, celebrity duo Ryan & Kelly, Smoky J and all the others who bopped, sang and boogied on a truly enjoyable night in the smoke.
So, one more to go for 09, let's absolutely ram the Horn guys, lets party like it 2 THOU SAND and 9!!!!
xx
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Great new review from TSM Radio
Dear Scratchers,
Great big thanks to Tiff and Aynz at TSM Radio for this great review of the new album...
Album Review: The Scratch - Whatever Happened to Friday Night?
powerpop punk rock the scratch tiff woosley uk
Thursday, 29 October 2009
Written by Tiff Woosley
Something wicked this way comes. I am fairly certain that had The Scratch been around at punk rock prime time, they would have given the likes of The Buzzcocks and The Who a jolly good run for their money. It has been some time since this more classic style of punk rock has graced the airwaves, and I think that really, it's about time. Make way for The Scratch, a five piece hailing from St. Albans who, since their debut in 2003, have really known how to make some noise.
THIS ALBUM IS A SHINING BEACON OF PUNK ROCK FINESSE
Their album Whatever Happened to Friday Night? is a shining beacon of punk rock finesse. The band manage to maintain their traditional sound throughout, with near-Elvis-style tones in Freaks of the Daylight and riffs that would make fans of The Clash go weak at the knees in the album's title track, Whatever Happened to Friday Night?. Having said this, the album allows room for innovation and modern twists. Glimmers of more modern indie gleam appear on tracks such as Freakshow, Independent & Unrepentant and, in particular, Destroyed by the Look of Love, proving that The Scratch are more than just ‘more of the same'.
Against the Grain showcases the talents of the lead vocalist, accompanied by riffs smoother than a baby's bottom (in a good way, of course). The vocals are noteworthy in their raw yet polished delivery, which in turn epitomises the beauty of punk rock. Too Busy Thinking About Me turns the dial down a notch, but only to show a softer side to the band's abilities particularly in light of the lyrics and rich tones used throughout. Actually thinking about it, most of these tracks would not seem out of place on the soundtrack to Quadrophenia, which just goes to show that The Scratch produce noise that is nothing less than rock'n'roll.
If a more upbeat style is your cup of tea, then please take a sip of Girl's World. Its lively melodies make it a track that will most definitely have your toes a-tapping. Flicker also offers a bouncing beat mixed with reminiscent lyrics, again displaying the band's many talents; it's a definite album gem. With You Want the World is a dynamic anthem for the noughties and a great addition to an album that impresses all the way through.
Having made appearances on stages nation-wide, The Scratch have proven that not only can they record well but boy, can they play live. Having been victorious at the XFM Unsigned competition with their track Numbers, the band won the opportunity to appear on the line-up for Versus Cancer along with Paul Weller, Ian Brown and Echo & the Bunnymen. And I can only imagine that an audience with The Scratch would be nothing short of a reflection of their utter vibrancy as performed on record. Whatever Happened to Friday Night? was released on Monday 12 October, and taken from the album, their new single Teen Idol is due for release by the end of the month. Teen Idol bundles up all that their album has to offer in one little, bite-size morsel of punk-rocky goodness; it's definitely worth a listen.
In conclusion then, it is one very big round of applause to the boys whose album is, in all its gutsy glory, absolutely one of which they can be proud.
Thanks Tiff, amazing
x
Great big thanks to Tiff and Aynz at TSM Radio for this great review of the new album...
Album Review: The Scratch - Whatever Happened to Friday Night?
powerpop punk rock the scratch tiff woosley uk
Thursday, 29 October 2009
Written by Tiff Woosley
Something wicked this way comes. I am fairly certain that had The Scratch been around at punk rock prime time, they would have given the likes of The Buzzcocks and The Who a jolly good run for their money. It has been some time since this more classic style of punk rock has graced the airwaves, and I think that really, it's about time. Make way for The Scratch, a five piece hailing from St. Albans who, since their debut in 2003, have really known how to make some noise.
THIS ALBUM IS A SHINING BEACON OF PUNK ROCK FINESSE
Their album Whatever Happened to Friday Night? is a shining beacon of punk rock finesse. The band manage to maintain their traditional sound throughout, with near-Elvis-style tones in Freaks of the Daylight and riffs that would make fans of The Clash go weak at the knees in the album's title track, Whatever Happened to Friday Night?. Having said this, the album allows room for innovation and modern twists. Glimmers of more modern indie gleam appear on tracks such as Freakshow, Independent & Unrepentant and, in particular, Destroyed by the Look of Love, proving that The Scratch are more than just ‘more of the same'.
Against the Grain showcases the talents of the lead vocalist, accompanied by riffs smoother than a baby's bottom (in a good way, of course). The vocals are noteworthy in their raw yet polished delivery, which in turn epitomises the beauty of punk rock. Too Busy Thinking About Me turns the dial down a notch, but only to show a softer side to the band's abilities particularly in light of the lyrics and rich tones used throughout. Actually thinking about it, most of these tracks would not seem out of place on the soundtrack to Quadrophenia, which just goes to show that The Scratch produce noise that is nothing less than rock'n'roll.
If a more upbeat style is your cup of tea, then please take a sip of Girl's World. Its lively melodies make it a track that will most definitely have your toes a-tapping. Flicker also offers a bouncing beat mixed with reminiscent lyrics, again displaying the band's many talents; it's a definite album gem. With You Want the World is a dynamic anthem for the noughties and a great addition to an album that impresses all the way through.
Having made appearances on stages nation-wide, The Scratch have proven that not only can they record well but boy, can they play live. Having been victorious at the XFM Unsigned competition with their track Numbers, the band won the opportunity to appear on the line-up for Versus Cancer along with Paul Weller, Ian Brown and Echo & the Bunnymen. And I can only imagine that an audience with The Scratch would be nothing short of a reflection of their utter vibrancy as performed on record. Whatever Happened to Friday Night? was released on Monday 12 October, and taken from the album, their new single Teen Idol is due for release by the end of the month. Teen Idol bundles up all that their album has to offer in one little, bite-size morsel of punk-rocky goodness; it's definitely worth a listen.
In conclusion then, it is one very big round of applause to the boys whose album is, in all its gutsy glory, absolutely one of which they can be proud.
Thanks Tiff, amazing
x
Monday, October 19, 2009
In the City 2009...
Dear Scratchers,
It had been a year since The Scratch had played Manchester, well Salford to be exact and just over a year since our first appearance at In the City… on this occasion it had been a rather late run thing compared to last years ‘blanket CD bombing’ of the Midland Hotel. Where The band, Tina and then purely ‘mate and helper’ out Steve Filth staked out the merch table and bar area of the festivals HQ, chasing, hustling and hassling to get the ‘power core’ of the nations musical ‘tastemakers’ to sneak a peak at the next big thing (US!!!)…
As you know however, (if you’ve been following the drama)… the main talking point, despite super human endeavour, sadly was the rat that invaded Andy’s trousers… Hence the more laid back approach this time around…
Andy led the advance party with Him and Tina attending said merch table around 7.30 on Saturday night (the night before it all actually kicked off) and leaving 10 minutes later having created their own shrine to The Scratch, by way of flyers, badges and giveaway CD’s….
The Day of reckoning began with a text from a concerned ‘Filthy’, asking Andy if he was awake and that he’d been to John’s to meet with him and Grim to drive up, but had got no answer. The minor panic was soon over (John had been retrieving amps from his garage!,,, (sounds like a medical complaint?!)… So slightly behind schedule the long drive began around 10.30.
Meanwhile, with Andy shivering in the typically grey Mancunian air, he Tina and Tina’s bloke Paul hit the Asda food hall for a mega breakfast and a jumper!... fed and clothed for £10 (bargain!) …
The Plan was to meet up at the ever aptly named Boom Boom Rooms (a converted Mill in Jersey Street, Ancoats the heart of the Industrial revolution) at around 1/1.30 for rehearsal and an interview with Stockport FM’s John Culley…. The Boom in studio 2 was akin to being bunged in a tumble drier with an average small venues PA system blasting muffled blasts of hardcore… so we didn’t linger past a set run through and alighted to the town centre for a beer and one last check of the merch table.
The Midland definitely didn’t seem as busy this year, there was no ‘lurking’ John Robb, no Mrs Boon’s tea party, just a mix of ‘On a jolly’ weekend Music Biz types, looking unshaven and ‘important’ and old Grannies drinking tea… oh and of course our favourite stalker subject Steve ‘One day he’ll see the light!’ Lamacq!!!!!! Andy had been banned (by the band) from handing over the album to him as, from the look in Steve’s eye last time he ‘bumped’ into him, a court order at the least could have quite easily been forthcoming. So with the legendary intro, “Hi Steve, I’m Steve”, Filthy handed over the 8th or 9th different Scratch release of our careers to the impermeable DJ.
Pint drunk, it was time to head off to the venue, Jabez Clegg in Portsmouth Street, situated in the heart of the Manchester university district.
The aforementioned John Culley hadn’t managed to make rehearsal, but as the cars pulled up outside the venue, Andy spent a thoroughly pleasant 10 minutes recording a potted history of the band for John’s show to be broadcast later that evening…
The Promoter, a cocky, brash sort of chap, ‘welcomed’ the band in, and pointed us to stage 3… The room was cavernous and ‘pew’ lined, with disciples of the beautiful game transfixed by the big screen as the The Scratch set up.
The usual Manc organisation and legendary care at their musical venues, had obviously been stretched massively thin over the 150 bands and 30 venues, resulting in a ramshackle backline. One cymbol stand and a broken bass amp, were relative blessings however, compared to the two giant brown radiators that blasted out what felt like the harnessed rays of an all too distant sun, through out the 25 minute set… still, all this shit is sent to try us… it wouldn’t be The Scratch if things went smoothly!...
However as you know adversity and The Scratch are firm bed fellows, as thankfully is the ability to pull out a great performance and from the assembled students at the front, a great reaction too… ‘That was awesome’ came the collective shout as the dripping wet 5 some descended the three steps (from Heaven!)…
A quick chat to Tina and Paul, a last swig of tap water and it was back down the motorway… sweaty, but unbowed.
Who says Rock’n’ Roll aint all glamour!
Number 2 in the charts though eh! (somebody up there’s smiling on us!)
Next stop Mother bar.
It had been a year since The Scratch had played Manchester, well Salford to be exact and just over a year since our first appearance at In the City… on this occasion it had been a rather late run thing compared to last years ‘blanket CD bombing’ of the Midland Hotel. Where The band, Tina and then purely ‘mate and helper’ out Steve Filth staked out the merch table and bar area of the festivals HQ, chasing, hustling and hassling to get the ‘power core’ of the nations musical ‘tastemakers’ to sneak a peak at the next big thing (US!!!)…
As you know however, (if you’ve been following the drama)… the main talking point, despite super human endeavour, sadly was the rat that invaded Andy’s trousers… Hence the more laid back approach this time around…
Andy led the advance party with Him and Tina attending said merch table around 7.30 on Saturday night (the night before it all actually kicked off) and leaving 10 minutes later having created their own shrine to The Scratch, by way of flyers, badges and giveaway CD’s….
The Day of reckoning began with a text from a concerned ‘Filthy’, asking Andy if he was awake and that he’d been to John’s to meet with him and Grim to drive up, but had got no answer. The minor panic was soon over (John had been retrieving amps from his garage!,,, (sounds like a medical complaint?!)… So slightly behind schedule the long drive began around 10.30.
Meanwhile, with Andy shivering in the typically grey Mancunian air, he Tina and Tina’s bloke Paul hit the Asda food hall for a mega breakfast and a jumper!... fed and clothed for £10 (bargain!) …
The Plan was to meet up at the ever aptly named Boom Boom Rooms (a converted Mill in Jersey Street, Ancoats the heart of the Industrial revolution) at around 1/1.30 for rehearsal and an interview with Stockport FM’s John Culley…. The Boom in studio 2 was akin to being bunged in a tumble drier with an average small venues PA system blasting muffled blasts of hardcore… so we didn’t linger past a set run through and alighted to the town centre for a beer and one last check of the merch table.
The Midland definitely didn’t seem as busy this year, there was no ‘lurking’ John Robb, no Mrs Boon’s tea party, just a mix of ‘On a jolly’ weekend Music Biz types, looking unshaven and ‘important’ and old Grannies drinking tea… oh and of course our favourite stalker subject Steve ‘One day he’ll see the light!’ Lamacq!!!!!! Andy had been banned (by the band) from handing over the album to him as, from the look in Steve’s eye last time he ‘bumped’ into him, a court order at the least could have quite easily been forthcoming. So with the legendary intro, “Hi Steve, I’m Steve”, Filthy handed over the 8th or 9th different Scratch release of our careers to the impermeable DJ.
Pint drunk, it was time to head off to the venue, Jabez Clegg in Portsmouth Street, situated in the heart of the Manchester university district.
The aforementioned John Culley hadn’t managed to make rehearsal, but as the cars pulled up outside the venue, Andy spent a thoroughly pleasant 10 minutes recording a potted history of the band for John’s show to be broadcast later that evening…
The Promoter, a cocky, brash sort of chap, ‘welcomed’ the band in, and pointed us to stage 3… The room was cavernous and ‘pew’ lined, with disciples of the beautiful game transfixed by the big screen as the The Scratch set up.
The usual Manc organisation and legendary care at their musical venues, had obviously been stretched massively thin over the 150 bands and 30 venues, resulting in a ramshackle backline. One cymbol stand and a broken bass amp, were relative blessings however, compared to the two giant brown radiators that blasted out what felt like the harnessed rays of an all too distant sun, through out the 25 minute set… still, all this shit is sent to try us… it wouldn’t be The Scratch if things went smoothly!...
However as you know adversity and The Scratch are firm bed fellows, as thankfully is the ability to pull out a great performance and from the assembled students at the front, a great reaction too… ‘That was awesome’ came the collective shout as the dripping wet 5 some descended the three steps (from Heaven!)…
A quick chat to Tina and Paul, a last swig of tap water and it was back down the motorway… sweaty, but unbowed.
Who says Rock’n’ Roll aint all glamour!
Number 2 in the charts though eh! (somebody up there’s smiling on us!)
Next stop Mother bar.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Fireworks as the launch party goes off with a bang!
Dear Scratchers,
Before the nitty gritty, the thanks… Dan, Dan and Dan for services beyond the call at the merch table, to Sian and her gang for earning their albums with a non stop dance fest that would have left Brucie gasping his last, Hugh D for multi-tasking for the umpteenth time and last but definitely not least, everyone of you who bought a CD, danced all night and allowed us the indulgence of an encore… (twice!)
Oct 2nd began wit anticipation and excitement… the giant banner was fluttering outside the Horn, advance sales were better than ever and despite a couple of inevitable set backs* the road ahead was paved with golden light streams all pointing to the same place. The Scratch’s third album launch party.
Following a worrying good rehearsal (as they are the times where the mistakes are supposed to be eradicated!)… the list of tasks was handed put to the heroes of the hour. Rush hour ain’t the best when you’re on a schedule, but by the turn of six, amps were being loaded, kits assembled and balloons being pumped…Unfortunately Steve the soundman was ill*, but big thanks to Bill (Bob) who stepped in to save the day… As Grim pumped, Filthy organised the Dan’s on the merch stand and the Baron tightened his skins, John and Andy made the very short journey over the road to the upstairs studio of Verulam Radio, escorted by host Chris… Big thanks to the team of this tiny local station and all power to you guys for trying to get a genuine St.Albans music show organised for the ‘kids!’… You want the world and the ‘snowballing’ teen idol got dual billings to top and tail the latest 15 minutes of fame…
By now soundchecks were under way… Televised Crimewave were stuck in the London exodus M1, M25 take your pick, so Alias, followed The Scratch, with Cheadle’s Cobra Kai passing the backroom.
Like the shop keeper in Mr.Benn (Kaboof) our comare for the night CRMK DJ and all round top bloke Hugh Davenport appeared (the line up was complete)… no sooner had he ordered a beer than he was leaping on stage and cracking the funnies!… Cobra Kai our adopted gig openers, never disappoint and with beautiful pathos they took to the stage resplendent in White worm t-shirts, (If you don’t know the significance… it’s time you stopped reading and did some research!) Brilliant stuff guys and not least the cover of the Beasties ‘Fight for your right’ … “Ah Ma you’re just jealous we’re the White Worm boys!”…
Battle of the bands winners Alias were up next putting in a sterling 25 minutes… then as the alcohol began to kick in, Andy was carrying at least 3 birthday beers at a time, thank you!) Televised Crimewave were up raising the stakes and oozing London Indie cool from somewhere close to 1983… screaming blondes, desert dry northern humour and tables… how would, how could The Scratch match that?
Dan, Dan and Dan were soon instructed to relax, following their endeavours as the previously sparsely populated backroom, began to throng. At the beginning of the year we’d set out to build a local following up at the Horn and on this evidence 99% of people were here for The Scratch.
In a majorly revamped set… Numbers was to be rested for the first time in two years… The Launch Party exploded with the first chorus of title track ‘Whatever Happened to Friday night’ We’ve had some great crowds down the horn this year, but Friday nights was easily the most enthusiastic… Filthy was already exhibiting a split personality that veered between unhinged and mischievous, as he toppled equally in balanced Andy during the mid 8 freak out of Critical Mass… There is a proper roar and absolutely audible sing along's these days…. It goose pimples the pimples for sure… Andy and Grim even unleashed new Hamer guitars on Freakshow, but the feeling of all round oneness could not be bettered after Andy dedicated ‘Teen Idol’ to one of our greatest supporters this year, Recharged Radio’s Jordan… the room was rocking and it just kept going for Strange 4play and final (!?) track of the set Dear Maniac!
The crowd streamed their approval as Hugh leaped to the stage and willed the boys back for an encore (well you can at your own launch do can’t you!)… and so they did leading with You want the world and stretching as far as Girls World and original DIY track Rotten Soul (not seen live since 2004)… Andy (Did I mention Birthday Boy?) whose suit had shimmered in the ‘borialal’ stage light all night, was at once beer sodden and patchwork camouflaged as he cavorted, rolled and somersaulted from the pit to the equally swimming stage to Gas Taps and newly untethered Fakers…
Sonically it was getting a little ragged to say the least, but visually nothing less than 100% entertainment… One more shouted Hugh… YEAH shouted the crowd… and so as a slightly over egged, but brilliantly ended I relax to Spiral Scratch finally brought down the curtain, The Scratch left the instrument, beer and body strewn stage to huge applause… what a great success…
As we’ve said all along, our LONG journey, we are only half the story, 'cos without you, we wouldn’t be. So as much as the band took great delight from such a fantastic evening, you share at least half the credit. Thank you.
So, work done, there was a birthday and a launch drink up to attend too. Fun, Fun, f…. frickin hell* … as in many a company, corporate organisation, football club, and especially a band! times when certain things occur/get out of hand that are never made public and are left to rumour and legend and finally grow into the most juicy section of the book written 20 years later in acrimony....anyway as I say you’ll have to wait for the book!… But I have a feeling a booze ban will be tabled at the next AGM!
The Scratch as a band have been together since 2001, as a live band since 2003 and a 5 piece since 2009… as I write 2010, we will be reverting to a four piece… Hopefully for a short period… as we look for a new drummer. They say in show biz go out on a high and you don’t get much higher than the album launch party, so it was a good time for The Baron to announce his retirement, and no, not due to artistic differences (although I could never get that Linkin Park CD!) due to work and family commitments. It’s been massively difficult as many of you know for him to commute from Bath for the last 3 years since he moved from St.Albans, so its with a heavy heart, that the rest of the band and I’m surely all of you who have seen him perform with us bid The Baron fond adieu. You will get your own chance to wish him well though as his final gig will be our Christmas party at the Horn on Friday 11th December. It’s good we can all finish on great terms. The Scratch is more like a family than a band, with all the same ups and downs you get, but we will remain great friends and no doubt call on him again especially if we get invited back to box next year!!!
Blimey… told you!*… Obviously this now means we have a vacancy, so please don’t be shy, we’d like to be up and running as soon as in 2010, but he’ll be a hard man to replace.
Bombshells, birthdays and booze ups… it’s all rock’n’roll innit.
Thanks to Hansi for the birthday beer and Biffy for managing the evening from the control room… best of luck with that.
Finally, a mention for the two notable absences on the night, Sam Vince, the star of the album cover art and indeed the new Teen Idol single cover and Tina our manager extraordinaire who for varying very good reasons weren’t able to attend. Thanks for all you did to help make it such a memorable album 3.
Four residencies down, one more to go…
See you for the Christmas finale Horn goers and of course In the City and Mother.
And in the words of the newly reformed Specials we leave you... "It's the dawning of a new era!".
PS don’t forget to visit www.tourdates.co.uk/the-scratch for your FREE ‘Teen Idol’ radio edit download, it’s not on the album!
x
Before the nitty gritty, the thanks… Dan, Dan and Dan for services beyond the call at the merch table, to Sian and her gang for earning their albums with a non stop dance fest that would have left Brucie gasping his last, Hugh D for multi-tasking for the umpteenth time and last but definitely not least, everyone of you who bought a CD, danced all night and allowed us the indulgence of an encore… (twice!)
Oct 2nd began wit anticipation and excitement… the giant banner was fluttering outside the Horn, advance sales were better than ever and despite a couple of inevitable set backs* the road ahead was paved with golden light streams all pointing to the same place. The Scratch’s third album launch party.
Following a worrying good rehearsal (as they are the times where the mistakes are supposed to be eradicated!)… the list of tasks was handed put to the heroes of the hour. Rush hour ain’t the best when you’re on a schedule, but by the turn of six, amps were being loaded, kits assembled and balloons being pumped…Unfortunately Steve the soundman was ill*, but big thanks to Bill (Bob) who stepped in to save the day… As Grim pumped, Filthy organised the Dan’s on the merch stand and the Baron tightened his skins, John and Andy made the very short journey over the road to the upstairs studio of Verulam Radio, escorted by host Chris… Big thanks to the team of this tiny local station and all power to you guys for trying to get a genuine St.Albans music show organised for the ‘kids!’… You want the world and the ‘snowballing’ teen idol got dual billings to top and tail the latest 15 minutes of fame…
By now soundchecks were under way… Televised Crimewave were stuck in the London exodus M1, M25 take your pick, so Alias, followed The Scratch, with Cheadle’s Cobra Kai passing the backroom.
Like the shop keeper in Mr.Benn (Kaboof) our comare for the night CRMK DJ and all round top bloke Hugh Davenport appeared (the line up was complete)… no sooner had he ordered a beer than he was leaping on stage and cracking the funnies!… Cobra Kai our adopted gig openers, never disappoint and with beautiful pathos they took to the stage resplendent in White worm t-shirts, (If you don’t know the significance… it’s time you stopped reading and did some research!) Brilliant stuff guys and not least the cover of the Beasties ‘Fight for your right’ … “Ah Ma you’re just jealous we’re the White Worm boys!”…
Battle of the bands winners Alias were up next putting in a sterling 25 minutes… then as the alcohol began to kick in, Andy was carrying at least 3 birthday beers at a time, thank you!) Televised Crimewave were up raising the stakes and oozing London Indie cool from somewhere close to 1983… screaming blondes, desert dry northern humour and tables… how would, how could The Scratch match that?
Dan, Dan and Dan were soon instructed to relax, following their endeavours as the previously sparsely populated backroom, began to throng. At the beginning of the year we’d set out to build a local following up at the Horn and on this evidence 99% of people were here for The Scratch.
In a majorly revamped set… Numbers was to be rested for the first time in two years… The Launch Party exploded with the first chorus of title track ‘Whatever Happened to Friday night’ We’ve had some great crowds down the horn this year, but Friday nights was easily the most enthusiastic… Filthy was already exhibiting a split personality that veered between unhinged and mischievous, as he toppled equally in balanced Andy during the mid 8 freak out of Critical Mass… There is a proper roar and absolutely audible sing along's these days…. It goose pimples the pimples for sure… Andy and Grim even unleashed new Hamer guitars on Freakshow, but the feeling of all round oneness could not be bettered after Andy dedicated ‘Teen Idol’ to one of our greatest supporters this year, Recharged Radio’s Jordan… the room was rocking and it just kept going for Strange 4play and final (!?) track of the set Dear Maniac!
The crowd streamed their approval as Hugh leaped to the stage and willed the boys back for an encore (well you can at your own launch do can’t you!)… and so they did leading with You want the world and stretching as far as Girls World and original DIY track Rotten Soul (not seen live since 2004)… Andy (Did I mention Birthday Boy?) whose suit had shimmered in the ‘borialal’ stage light all night, was at once beer sodden and patchwork camouflaged as he cavorted, rolled and somersaulted from the pit to the equally swimming stage to Gas Taps and newly untethered Fakers…
Sonically it was getting a little ragged to say the least, but visually nothing less than 100% entertainment… One more shouted Hugh… YEAH shouted the crowd… and so as a slightly over egged, but brilliantly ended I relax to Spiral Scratch finally brought down the curtain, The Scratch left the instrument, beer and body strewn stage to huge applause… what a great success…
As we’ve said all along, our LONG journey, we are only half the story, 'cos without you, we wouldn’t be. So as much as the band took great delight from such a fantastic evening, you share at least half the credit. Thank you.
So, work done, there was a birthday and a launch drink up to attend too. Fun, Fun, f…. frickin hell* … as in many a company, corporate organisation, football club, and especially a band! times when certain things occur/get out of hand that are never made public and are left to rumour and legend and finally grow into the most juicy section of the book written 20 years later in acrimony....anyway as I say you’ll have to wait for the book!… But I have a feeling a booze ban will be tabled at the next AGM!
The Scratch as a band have been together since 2001, as a live band since 2003 and a 5 piece since 2009… as I write 2010, we will be reverting to a four piece… Hopefully for a short period… as we look for a new drummer. They say in show biz go out on a high and you don’t get much higher than the album launch party, so it was a good time for The Baron to announce his retirement, and no, not due to artistic differences (although I could never get that Linkin Park CD!) due to work and family commitments. It’s been massively difficult as many of you know for him to commute from Bath for the last 3 years since he moved from St.Albans, so its with a heavy heart, that the rest of the band and I’m surely all of you who have seen him perform with us bid The Baron fond adieu. You will get your own chance to wish him well though as his final gig will be our Christmas party at the Horn on Friday 11th December. It’s good we can all finish on great terms. The Scratch is more like a family than a band, with all the same ups and downs you get, but we will remain great friends and no doubt call on him again especially if we get invited back to box next year!!!
Blimey… told you!*… Obviously this now means we have a vacancy, so please don’t be shy, we’d like to be up and running as soon as in 2010, but he’ll be a hard man to replace.
Bombshells, birthdays and booze ups… it’s all rock’n’roll innit.
Thanks to Hansi for the birthday beer and Biffy for managing the evening from the control room… best of luck with that.
Finally, a mention for the two notable absences on the night, Sam Vince, the star of the album cover art and indeed the new Teen Idol single cover and Tina our manager extraordinaire who for varying very good reasons weren’t able to attend. Thanks for all you did to help make it such a memorable album 3.
Four residencies down, one more to go…
See you for the Christmas finale Horn goers and of course In the City and Mother.
And in the words of the newly reformed Specials we leave you... "It's the dawning of a new era!".
PS don’t forget to visit www.tourdates.co.uk/the-scratch for your FREE ‘Teen Idol’ radio edit download, it’s not on the album!
x
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Clint renews his vows of love!
Dear Scratchers,
Yee of little faith! Just when you thought Clint had ridden off into the sunset, his work done, never to be seen again following his triumphant night at the Horn, he's back with another amazing eulogy...
"Not only are The Scratch knocking out some of the best new punk rock in Britain today, they’re a pleasure to watch live too.
Everything’s right about them. The sound, the look, the spirit. I’m a fan for those reasons.
Fun to hang around with too. Although I’m not sure about all that late night cross dressing / sex toy experimentation that goes on back at their place after gigs.
Ah well, each to their own, that’s what I say.
Onwards and upwards Scratch people. The new album’s f**kin ace!
Clint Boon 29.9.09"
What can we say Mr B.
You're the greatest bro!
x
Yee of little faith! Just when you thought Clint had ridden off into the sunset, his work done, never to be seen again following his triumphant night at the Horn, he's back with another amazing eulogy...
"Not only are The Scratch knocking out some of the best new punk rock in Britain today, they’re a pleasure to watch live too.
Everything’s right about them. The sound, the look, the spirit. I’m a fan for those reasons.
Fun to hang around with too. Although I’m not sure about all that late night cross dressing / sex toy experimentation that goes on back at their place after gigs.
Ah well, each to their own, that’s what I say.
Onwards and upwards Scratch people. The new album’s f**kin ace!
Clint Boon 29.9.09"
What can we say Mr B.
You're the greatest bro!
x
Friday, September 25, 2009
Freaks of the twilight - A rock opera down Milton Keynes way!
Dear Scratchers,
Hopefully, on this occasion words are unnecessary because you all tuned in to the show… but for those with commitments beyond the reaches of rock’n’roll (maybe Powerpoint enthusiasts or reality TV addicts?…) firstly shame on you! Secondly and luckily for you, here is your opportunity to catch up on what the real cool kids get up to on a Thursday evening.
Anyway… on with the show.... It was 8.40 and John and Andy were there, but there was no sign of Hugh…
The content of Hijack 3 (as it had been billed for months on our myspace)… came as somewhat of surprise to the hero of the piece - DJ and all round aficionado of ‘allsorts’ (‘Huge’) Hugh Davenport, who on being ‘papp snapped’ on Andy’s camera phone as he entered the building, offered the reason that he had been delayed as… “I’ve just spent ages, getting the playlist together…” Er, ‘Hughston’ we have a problem… (… despite the fact that Hijacks one and two had been entire 2 Hour Hijacks of the show, there seemed to be a fleeting notion that ‘other’ music would have a vehicle!…) Fortunately, this misunderstanding didn’t last as, Mr.D being the ‘shockjock' and ‘out there’ hedonist he is… literally tore his notes to shreds.
At last it, I hear you sigh, on with the show....
The plan (from the band) was to ‘treat’ Hugh and his listeners to a play of ‘Whatever Happened to Friday night?’ in its entirety… interspersed with tracks from the bands that helped influence and inspire the album… Hugh by now, playlistless was of course powerless to resist.
With Ian, DJ from the previous show still ‘lurking’ (get it eh… in joke….) in the studio (or was he trying to squeeze past Andy and John without being press ganged into a flyer for the launch do????) giving the whole place a semi manic/semi saunaesque locker room feel, all boded well for a fun night in…
‘less twiggage Hugh, less, less’
…. However with a Kabuff… (and a puff of smoke), as soon as it had begun, it ended, like all good fairy stories on the witching hour…
Much merriment, abandon, text messaging and plenty of lost threads had been had… aided and abetted by tales of Marco, Jordan, Recharged Radio, 3 Counties, Stuart Pearce, The Green Room (which John did a great job of denting!) and even speed camera on the Lower Luton Road (bastards!)… and of course the food for all our souls … The Rock’n’Roll.
1) Whatever Happened to Friday Night? – The Scratch
2) You want the world – The Scratch
3) There goes Norman – Undertones
4) Deutscher Girls – Adam and the Ants
5) Against the Grain – The Scratch
6) How beautiful you are – The Cure
7) Girls World – The Scratch
8) Jackie Says – The Wolfmen
9) Teen Idol – The Scratch
10) War Dance – Killing Joke
11) Freaks of the daylight – The Scratch
12) Flicker – The Scratch
13) Predicatable – The Kinks
14) In the heart of the city – Nick Lowe
15) Too Busy thinking about me – The Scratch
16) Freakshow – The Scratch
17) Metal Guru – T.Rex
18) Fiction Romance – Buzzcocks
19) Independent Unrepentant – The Scratch
Seriously though, for all those of you who remember what evening radio used to be like without ‘playlist hell’, The Ecletic Plectrum is well worth a listen and from what we heard of Ian’s show before, don’t just restrict yourself to 10-12pm on a Thursday… these guys know their music and play it with easily as much passion as the teenage wanabees down your local battle of the bands competition, so check um out… www.myspace.com/eclecticplectrum / www.crmk.co.uk
Many, many thanks to Hugh and we look forward to seeing him in his new role as drunken compare at the launch party next Friday… speaking of which… you got your ticket yet!!!
xxx
Hopefully, on this occasion words are unnecessary because you all tuned in to the show… but for those with commitments beyond the reaches of rock’n’roll (maybe Powerpoint enthusiasts or reality TV addicts?…) firstly shame on you! Secondly and luckily for you, here is your opportunity to catch up on what the real cool kids get up to on a Thursday evening.
Anyway… on with the show.... It was 8.40 and John and Andy were there, but there was no sign of Hugh…
The content of Hijack 3 (as it had been billed for months on our myspace)… came as somewhat of surprise to the hero of the piece - DJ and all round aficionado of ‘allsorts’ (‘Huge’) Hugh Davenport, who on being ‘papp snapped’ on Andy’s camera phone as he entered the building, offered the reason that he had been delayed as… “I’ve just spent ages, getting the playlist together…” Er, ‘Hughston’ we have a problem… (… despite the fact that Hijacks one and two had been entire 2 Hour Hijacks of the show, there seemed to be a fleeting notion that ‘other’ music would have a vehicle!…) Fortunately, this misunderstanding didn’t last as, Mr.D being the ‘shockjock' and ‘out there’ hedonist he is… literally tore his notes to shreds.
At last it, I hear you sigh, on with the show....
The plan (from the band) was to ‘treat’ Hugh and his listeners to a play of ‘Whatever Happened to Friday night?’ in its entirety… interspersed with tracks from the bands that helped influence and inspire the album… Hugh by now, playlistless was of course powerless to resist.
With Ian, DJ from the previous show still ‘lurking’ (get it eh… in joke….) in the studio (or was he trying to squeeze past Andy and John without being press ganged into a flyer for the launch do????) giving the whole place a semi manic/semi saunaesque locker room feel, all boded well for a fun night in…
‘less twiggage Hugh, less, less’
…. However with a Kabuff… (and a puff of smoke), as soon as it had begun, it ended, like all good fairy stories on the witching hour…
Much merriment, abandon, text messaging and plenty of lost threads had been had… aided and abetted by tales of Marco, Jordan, Recharged Radio, 3 Counties, Stuart Pearce, The Green Room (which John did a great job of denting!) and even speed camera on the Lower Luton Road (bastards!)… and of course the food for all our souls … The Rock’n’Roll.
1) Whatever Happened to Friday Night? – The Scratch
2) You want the world – The Scratch
3) There goes Norman – Undertones
4) Deutscher Girls – Adam and the Ants
5) Against the Grain – The Scratch
6) How beautiful you are – The Cure
7) Girls World – The Scratch
8) Jackie Says – The Wolfmen
9) Teen Idol – The Scratch
10) War Dance – Killing Joke
11) Freaks of the daylight – The Scratch
12) Flicker – The Scratch
13) Predicatable – The Kinks
14) In the heart of the city – Nick Lowe
15) Too Busy thinking about me – The Scratch
16) Freakshow – The Scratch
17) Metal Guru – T.Rex
18) Fiction Romance – Buzzcocks
19) Independent Unrepentant – The Scratch
Seriously though, for all those of you who remember what evening radio used to be like without ‘playlist hell’, The Ecletic Plectrum is well worth a listen and from what we heard of Ian’s show before, don’t just restrict yourself to 10-12pm on a Thursday… these guys know their music and play it with easily as much passion as the teenage wanabees down your local battle of the bands competition, so check um out… www.myspace.com/eclecticplectrum / www.crmk.co.uk
Many, many thanks to Hugh and we look forward to seeing him in his new role as drunken compare at the launch party next Friday… speaking of which… you got your ticket yet!!!
xxx
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