The Scratch

he Scratch are a four-piece acoustic band from Dublin, Ireland, whose distinctive sound brings together the raw energy of metal, the rhythmic drive of acoustic guitar and the rich traditions of Irish music. Blending triumphant melodies with heavy grooves and intense percussive arrangements, the band have developed a sound that is entirely their own.

The band began as a fun experiment in the kitchen of a house in Perrystown, Dublin, born from a shared passion for acoustic guitar, metal and traditional Irish music. In 2017, a busking trip to the Rory Gallagher International Festival in Ballyshannon led to their first viral video, which amassed one million views in just one week. Shared around the world, the footage introduced The Scratch to an international audience and marked the beginning of their rapid rise.

Their debut album, released in 2020, reached No. 9 in the Irish Albums Chart and No. 2 in the Independent Albums Chart, whilst also achieving the highest weekly vinyl sales of any artist in Ireland that year. Their growing following was reflected in a succession of sold-out headline shows across Dublin, progressing from The Underground and The Grand Social to Whelan’s and the Button Factory, where tickets sold out three months in advance. Their planned headline show at The Academy in 2020 sold out in just four days.

Visual creativity has also played a significant role in shaping the band’s identity. From the high-energy performance of God Slap to the evocative landscapes of The Road to Ballyshannon, The Scratch have taken a hands-on approach to their music videos, shooting and editing their own work to maintain a direct connection between their music and its visual expression.

At the heart of The Scratch is their live performance. Combining intricate acoustic musicianship, explosive rhythms and the communal spirit of traditional Irish music, they transform the acoustic format into an experience defined by intensity, spontaneity and infectious energy. Rooted in Dublin yet resonating with audiences far beyond Ireland, The Scratch continue to push the boundaries of acoustic music, forging a powerful connection between folk tradition and the spirit of heavy metal.