Skatch: album review
Posted by jamie on Jun 26, 2009
Skatch - Skatch (by Jamie)
If there’s ever been a perfect record to listen to at home on the sofa at going-out-o’clock on a Friday on a gorgeous early summer evening then Skatch’s first record must surely be a contender. I can’t walk away from it.
This first proper full-length sees the Midlands sextet put the case for a type of music that’s been shamefully overlooked in credible alternative circles for too long: unashamedly happy, perfect pop. Skatch’s beautifully simple guitar pop songs are embellished by horns and piano and a four-pronged vocal assualt that’s as strong as a big slap in the face, but as sugarry sweet as push-pops and that sugarry, multi-coloured rice that you can still sometimes get at petrol stations. And at times in its innocence this music is honestly that beautiful. Yes, it’s as beautiful as mulit-colourd sugar-rice and closer to beauty than James Blunt has ever managed to imagine. The lyrics on this record (my copy is called simply “Skatch LP Promo) are reminiscent of the little-boy-lost-in-love that marks out the the most charming, singable moments in the happy songs that made bands like Bowling For Soup, the Honeyshop Screamers and McFly; that tugs on the heartstrings of the wistful among us to such effect that it leaves you at once deliciously, lick-your-lips happy and in need of a big hug.
And to back it all up there’s a sound behind all of this that’s big enough to shake a stadium and deliriously happy. In a punk rock scene that’s sometimes too intent on anti-establishment rage (not that there’s much wrong with that) or gloomy inadequate introspection, Skatch are unashamedly in love with life and in love with love and guess what: it’s contagious.
Another strength of this glorious record is the awesome power behind its sound drums, bass and guitar, horns, vocals and piano. There’s so much of it, and every bit so wonderfully arranged: horn riffs used both to embellish a melody and elsewhere to pick up a song and send it soaring in to the sky. Gang vocals, both sung and shouted are placed impeccably thoughout, and the sung harmonies are wonderful. Then there’s the guitars, at times like the “big sounding” pop-punk bands, the Ataris, Fluid Lines, Jimmy Eat World, all fuzzy, warm, distorted and at times choppy, all see-sawing riffs. This is good-time pop and pop-punk at its best, and incredibly mature given what must be the initial perceptions on stumbling over their cheeky-chappy photos and live show and bubble-gum artwork. You Can Breathe Now and Don’t Wait are stunning, swirling, almost epic ballads, Take Note and Touch Our Lives are shining examples of their genre.
This album is superb, not just because of the nostalgia it inspires for sweaty summers full of American Pie and Take Off Your Pants and Jacket, but stands in its own right as a classic in its own right and deserves to be ranked alongside the greats of our scene. Its soaring melodies, its rare power and its lyrics, as charmingly innocent as they are upliftingly positive make this the perfect soundtrack to those long, wonderful summer days you’ll remember forever and equally ideal as a pick-me-up on a difficult day. It’s truly wonderful, near perfect, a brilliant pop record.
[Skatch's album is available bundled with t-shirt and stickers for just £10. Click here.]
“Take a moment, take a breath and kiss me.. Just lay next to me, she said, it’ll never be this good again, we’re just best friends” - Skatch, Don’t Wait.
It’s Yours! New SB6 single released.
Posted by jamie on Jun 25, 2009
Manchester’s Sonic Boom Six have their new single up for pre-order here. I don’t know what a maxi-single is, but five tracks means it’s almost a mini-albu, and pre-orders get free postage.
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6th July Cafe Pop Manchester 6pm
7th July Banquet Records Kingston 6pm
8th July Reskue Skate Shop 5pm
9th July London All Ages 5pm
10th July Alton Astra 3pm
13th July Exeter Martian Records 4:30pm
14th July Taunton Martian Records 5pm
15th July Leicester Rockaboom 12:30pm
Free song: A is for Ape
Posted by jamie on Jun 25, 2009
You can get End of an Era by A is for Ape as a free download here. The guys really want you to get the free song, and they’re a splendid bunch of chaps so please help us out. Thank you.
Is it a happy ever after that you’re after?
Posted by jamie on Jun 15, 2009
[spunge] have added this list of all the rest of their gigs for this year (so far).
Random Hand / Skints UK tour
Posted by jamie on Jun 15, 2009
The mighty Random Hand are taking London’s incredibly fantastic The Skints on tour with them in July.
Dates:
We’re also extremely happy to be bringing the Skints out with us. they’re amazing! and you will all love them.
Put the following dates in your diaries!
1st BIRMINGHAM O2 ACADEMY 3
2nd NOTTINGHAM MAZE
3rd COLCHESTER TWIST
4th LONDON UNDERWORLD
5th BRIGHTON ENGINE ROOM
7th LEICESTER SUMO
8th EXETER HUB
9th HUDDERSFIELD PARISH
10th BRADFORD 1 in 12 CLUB
11th ABERDEEN TUNNELS
12th GLASGOW TWISTED WHEEL
13th YORK FIBBERS
14th NEWCASTLE TRILLIANS
15th LIVERPOOL MONOCHROME
Facebook event here.
New Riot
Posted by jamie on Jun 12, 2009
New Riot officially exist, and have already taken a special place in our hearts here at Bananatown. Their myspace now has everything on it, and you can get their EP, Blood, Sweat and Beers and special limited edition album t-shirts from their big cartel.
It’s Yours - out 7th July.
Posted by jamie on Jun 6, 2009
The Sonic Boom Six will release ‘The Concrete We’re Trapped Within (It’s Yours)’ as a single on 7th July. The radio edit’s already been on Radio 1 (the punk show), BBC6 Rock Show, kerrang radio and NME radio and is up on their myspace.
Good news is there are brand new, original, previously unreleased b-sides on the single, and the Boom will (finally) embark on their small acoustic tour of shops. Dates and single-formats to be announced this week..
Got money?
Posted by jamie on Jun 6, 2009
Dirty Revolution need help funding the recording of their new album “so they can make it great and quick”. Contact rebelsrevenge@hotmail.com if you can help. Oh - and their first EP is in the Do the Dog sale.
Big D: Fluent in Stroll available for pre-order
Posted by jamie on Jun 5, 2009
Yes, it’s official. The computery bits have all been sorted out and Big D and the Kids Table have got their new record, Fluent in Stroll, up for pre-order. You can get it here.
New song: Kids Can’t Fly
Posted by jamie on Jun 4, 2009
New tune “She Called Shotgun” is demo’d on the Kids Can’t Fly myspace.
