The Scratch – ‘Gladrags’ Video & ‘Pull Like A Dog’ Album Details | NME
Irish punk band The Scratch have unveiled “Gladrags,” a track that balances raw energy with a surprising degree of introspection. The song arrives ahead of the release of their upcoming album, Pull Like A Dog, due March 13th via Music For Nations. The accompanying video, directed by Colin Peppard, features the band members in a decidedly unexpected setting: dressed as professional snooker players.
“Gladrags” isn’t born in a vacuum. The band has cited an interview with Tyler, The Creator as partial inspiration for the song’s themes. According to The Scratch, the track explores the cycle of inattentiveness and the ways people attempt to navigate or conceal it. “It’s about how being inattentive can land me in hot water, which ironically makes me wander further into my thoughts, resulting in this perpetual cycle of inattentiveness. But similarly seeing it in others and observing how they try to cover it up/deal with it,” they explained.
From Heavy Metal Roots to Irish Trad-Punk Fusion
The Scratch’s trajectory is an compelling one. Formed in Perrystown, Dublin, in 2016, the band initially emerged from the remnants of a heavy metal group, Red Enemy. Three of Red Enemy’s five members – Jordan O’Leary, Daniel Lang, and Conor Dockery – joined forces with bassist Cathal McKenna to create something entirely new. As detailed on Wikipedia, this fusion of influences quickly became their signature: a blend of traditional Irish music and the aggressive energy of heavy metal. Their sound has been described as folk rock, celtic music, folk metal, avant-garde metal, and progressive rock, showcasing a willingness to experiment and defy easy categorization.
Their debut album, Couldn’t Give a Rats, arrived in 2020, followed by Mind Yourself in 2023. The latter earned a nomination for the prestigious Choice Music Prize, solidifying their position as a rising force in the Irish music scene. A recent lineup change saw Jordan O’Leary depart in December 2024, replaced by Gary Regan on guitar. The current lineup includes Conor Dockery, Cathal McKenna, Daniel Lang, and Regan.
A Band That Takes a Stand
The Scratch aren’t afraid to use their platform to address social and political issues. Last July, they joined a chorus of artists boycotting Radar Festival following the organizers’ decision to remove Bob Vylan from the lineup after the rapper’s controversial performance at Glastonbury. NME reported that The Scratch released a statement condemning the censorship and expressing solidarity with Bob Vylan, arguing against “shadowy government influence and wealthy lobbying groups” dictating artistic expression. This stance highlights a commitment to artistic freedom and a willingness to engage with challenging conversations.
Pull Like A Dog: A Tracklist Preview
“Gladrags” is the latest single from Pull Like A Dog, following the release of “Pullin’ Teeth.” The full tracklist for the album is as follows:
- ‘Pull Like A Dog’
- ‘Pullin’ Teeth’
- ‘Gladrags’
- ‘Crack’
- ‘Mother Of God’
- ‘Spacer’
- ‘Roses N Poses’
- ‘I Hope All Is Forgiven’
- ‘Horsefly’
- ‘Ringsend’
Tour Dates and a Dublin Headline Demonstrate
The Scratch will be taking Pull Like A Dog on the road with an extensive tour schedule. Dates include stops across the UK in March, followed by Australian dates in April. A North American leg kicks off in May, and they’ll return to Europe for festival appearances, culminating in their largest headline show to date at Dublin’s Iveagh Gardens on July 4th. Tickets for the Dublin show are available via Ticketmaster.
The band also contributed to Dropkick Murphys’ thirteenth album, For the People, appearing on two tracks. This collaboration further underscores their willingness to cross genre boundaries and engage with other artists.