For Banjaxed’s first official venture into Waterford, we couldn’t ask for a live review than Dublin band The Scratch on the final leg of their European tour in a sold out venue in Dunmore East.

Supporting The Scratch was local Waterford band (of actual brothers) The Wran. though there were only 4 of them on stage, they produce a sound worthy of a 20-piece trad band. With a myriad of instruments on stage, the lads played a set of a mix of original songs (Fear Dearg) and fresh interpretations of classic tunes.

What is really special about watching these brothers perform is that their voices seem to blend into one, haunting chorus. During their rendition of ‘Sullivan’s John’ they intertwine harmonies into a beautiful celtic knot that binds their whole sound together.

Supporting The Scratch is a full circle moment for the lads. The 4 of them went to see the scratch live 2 years ago, but the youngest brother, Stephen, being 17 at the time, was turned away at the door with his fake ID. (Stephen is definitely not holding a grudge about bussing it back home alone while his older brothers went to the gig as planned, yeah he is 100% over it and forgave them ages ago………..)

Finishing out their set strong with their latest single, ‘Some Say the Devil is Dead’ they became a new favourite for many audience members. Catch them at their next gig on St. Stephen’s day in Tigh Ui Mhuirithe, Helibhic, a free event fundraising for doctors without borders and their life-saving work in Gaza.

The Scratch

Audience warmed up, ready for the main event and by god, did The Scratch did not disappoint. After opening with ‘Seanachaí’, the crowd are ready to go. Seamlessly transitioning to ‘Excuse’ the entire room is jumping. With a brief pause for Dockery to bark “OPEN UP DE DANCEFLOOR WILL YE” for ‘God Slap’ .

For the next few songs, the band were at the crowd to dance open up a moshpit. “ARE DE HIPS IN DE FUCKIN GARAGE?” during a mix of older songs & tracks from their upcoming album, ‘Pull Like a Dog’ the entire room was heaving. The lads had everyone singing with them during ‘War of the Buttons’ balancing beautiful and delicate harmonies with their trademark punk style.

Looking up and down the front row, it was women everywhere (at a metal gig. slay). What soon became clear was the reason the for the front row being all women; the moshpit was 97% sweaty men with their tops off, crowd-surfing. Fair play to the girls who were getting stuck in, because it was full on. During ‘Gladrags’, it was difficult to know to photograph the band or the crowd.

The best moment of the show by far, was Dockery performing ‘Joxer Goes to Stuttgart’ dedicated to his late dad. With his mam and sister sidestage, the other band members sitting down taking a break and some audience members céilí dancing, it was a beautiful reminder of what we all have in common: a love for family, music and messing.

So if you have the chance to go see The Scratch live, just do yourself a favour and take that chance. You’re in for a night of a specifically Irish punk, mosh pits, community and good craic.

Banjaxed Media