Formed in 2016 by drummer Daniel Lang and Guitarist Jordan O’Leary, after their previous tech and groove-metal outfit Red Enemy had dissolved, joined shortly after by guitarist Conor Dockery and bass player Peter Keogh, The Scratch are a band that doesn’t seem to fit in anywhere, but have proven to fit in everywhere. Starting out with just acoustic guitars and a wooden box, the band created an immediate buzz in their hometown of Dublin, Ireland.

Seemingly uncapable of keeping themselves boxed in to one singular genre, they meander intentionally around heavy metal, Irish folk music, stadium rock, and post punk. Constantly evolving both creatively and sonically, never resting on their laurels, never taking themselves as individuals too seriously while always putting their souls into the music. They have won the hearts of anyone that has experienced their live shows, which have garnered a cult-like following in their native Ireland, the UK and most recently mainland Europe and North America.

One month into the Covid lockdown in 2020 they independently released their debut album “Couldn’t Give A Rats”. Their second album “Mind Yourself” was released through Sony Music Entertainment in winter 2023, produced by James Vincent McMorrow.

Since the pandemic they have re-emerged with a line-up change and the addition of Cathal McKenna on bass. In their homeland 2022/23 saw them play two sold-out shows each in Dublin’s famed Olympia, Vicar Street and Academy venues, as well as sold out shows around the country.

Internationally they have hit the road around the UK, Europe and the US in support of their newest album, as well as supporting the Dropkick Murphys around Europe and the USA.

The Scratch are on the cusp of attaining global recognition as the only band in their field doing what they do. Sometimes it is 90 mile an hour tech-metal chop, while others it is a tender and tearjerking folk song. There is no other band like this. The naysayers will soon be drowned out by the sound of unanimous applause. This is a band that will rise to the top.

The Scratch’s third album will be released in Q1 2026.

Medium Build w/ The Scratch

Performers