LIVE REVIEW: The Scratch @ The Deaf Institute, Manchester

On a night where Manchester is jam packed full of people celebrating the Chinese new year, the main hub of entertainment is at the wonderful venue; The Deaf Institute. Whilst outside the venue we see a wonderful cultural celebration, it is inside where another culture is on display, and this time it is that of the Irish. Off the back of their incendiary sophomore album; Mind Yourself, Irish quartet; THE SCRATCH put on a headline show to remember. 

In what was very much an Irish affair, ISPINI NA HEIERAN (or The Sausages of Ireland to the uninitiated) took to the stage to an already packed venue to treat our ears to the sultry sounds of Ireland. Armed with guitars, fiddles and a saxophone, they kick off the night’s proceedings with a classic Irish tune; The Kesh Jig which has the audience bobbing along straight from the off, quickly winning over the hearts of the crowd with their Shane McGowan-esque mannerisms. Throughout their short set, the banter with the audience is plentiful as they storm through more traditional Irish tunes and a few of their own. Their track Beeswing gets the biggest cheer of the night and deservedly so. It’s a beautiful folk ditty that makes you feel you’re watching in a tavern in the Irish countryside lit up only by fire. They were the perfect band to open up for THE SCRATCH.

Rating: 8/10 

Taking to the stage shortly afterwards, THE SCRATCH delivered a show for the ages in what was an all out assault on the senses in the best ways possible. It’s a very different tone to what the support act gave us but the energy in the crowd somehow doubled as soon as the first chords were struck. Opening on the utterly thunderous track; Banshee, it’s clear we’re in for a special night. From the off, the audience is in full voice and ready to turn The Deaf Institute into a battlefield. Ploughing into the next song; Cheeky Bastard is what a love child between IDLES and FONTAINES D.C would sound like. This song in particular ups the ante to higher levels and is met with utter elation from the crowd as the band continue to go at 100mph. 

Three songs into the show, the crowd is already proving why Mancunian crowds are often considered some of the best crowds by bands who come through on tour. Their energy matched that of THE SCRATCH showing they were there to well and truly party the night away. Quite a few times throughout the show, members of the band would gaze out in awe at how well the crowd was receiving them which spurred them on even more.

As they continue to barrel through their ferocious set, tracks such as Excuse and Good Slap continue the levels of intensity. However, half way through the set we come to a welcome moment of respite as the band play one of their more subtler pairing of tunes for the night. Up first is Trom 1 (The Harrowing Sun), a foreboding sounding tune that almost has a sinister feel to it. Whilst still maintaining the heaviness that has been on display throughout the night, it does sort of conjure images of misty Irish landscapes from centuries gone by. 

Up next is Trom 2 (A Slip In The Wind), which is believe or not, one of their quieter tunes, The climax of the song however sees the high levels of intensity return  as its finale builds up and up before reaching its thunderous crescendo. Whilst cover songs at a gig can sometimes feel like a cop out, THE SCRATCH throw out two covers by THE POGUES and THE DUBLIENRS which does almost feel right. Tracks; Sally MacLennane and McAlpine’s Fusiliers go down incredibly well amongst the predominantly Irish crowd and have some of the loudest sing-alongs of the night. THE SCRATCH remain respectful with both songs whilst giving them their own twist. 

As we get toward the back end of the set, we are bombarded with the blistering anthem; Blaggard. With riffs that sound like early SLIPKNOT, the audience once again furiously moshes like there is no tomorrow, with frontman Daniel Lang taking a moment to command the audience to make a wall of death which they do instantly, once again the standing area of  The Deaf Institute resembles a battlefield than a concert venue. Finishing the night on the hit; Another Round, sees the entire venue in unison singing along in what felt like a last hurrah with everyone up and dancing all joined in unison which almost felt spiritual on some level. It was truly a sight to behold. 

If you’ve never seen THE SCRATCH before, you need to add them to your concert bucket list. With quite a lot of bands being very similar sounding these days, they offer something very different. Giving 100% at each show they’ve given, they’re an act not to be missed. When you see them take to the stage with acoustic guitars and a cajon drum, you wouldn’t expect them to make such a noise but they will absolutely melt your face with exquisite fusion of traditional Irish folk and metal music. It will truly be one of the greatest nights of your life that will leave you with a wonderful high not brought on by drugs, but by pure elation at what you’ve just seen.

Rating: 9/10

Check out our photo gallery of the night’s action in Manchester from Sabrina Ramdoyal Photography here: 

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