The Scratch’s Bold Journey: Blending Irish Folk and Metal on Their U.S. Tour

An Irish band igniting stages with their unique fusion of traditional folk and heavy metal sounds.

From Dublin Streets to Chicago’s Subterranean: The Scratch’s American Adventure Begins

Just six days into their first major U.S. headline tour, The Scratch already feel the thrill and chaos of life on the road. Meeting them in Chicago, the Irish lads are unwinding after a late soundcheck, eagerly cracking open cans of Bud Light and Coors like these brews are a rare American treasure. It’s a charmingly candid moment that perfectly captures their down-to-earth vibe.

“People seem to think that we are eager for Guinness everywhere we go. We get enough Guinness!” jokes Gary Regan, the band’s newest member and guitarist, his thick Irish brogue rich with humor as he offers a cold one. Sporting cropped blonde hair, quirky baby bangs, a mustache, and bright blue eyes behind wide-rimmed glasses, Gary brings a distinctive flair to this no-fuss group.

The band’s lineup is a blend of old and new faces. Bassist Cathal McKenna, who joined in 2022, sums up their playful beer banter: “We’re actually pillaging the USA for every one of their beers.” Cathal’s stage presence is fierce — often shirtless, perched on stools or platforms, his shoulder-length hair wildly thrashing as he fuels their unique fusion of Irish folk storytelling and raw metal energy.

The Scratch rocking out with authentic Irish grit. (Credit: Patricia Rosingana)

Conor Dockery, co-founder and guitarist, rounds out the conversation. One of the original members since their 2016 inception, Conor is the band’s most grounded voice, sharing the story behind The Scratch’s evolution. Meanwhile, percussionist Daniel “Lango” Lang is off spending time with his girlfriend but will soon take the stage wielding a cajón and “hurls” — traditional Irish sticks — to drive the band’s infectious rhythms.

Pull Like a Dog: Inspired by Irish Grit and Olympic Rowers

Their latest album, Pull Like a Dog, dropped in March to growing acclaim. The title itself draws from the spirit of Irish rowers Gary and Paul O’Donovan, who stunned the world at the Rio 2016 Olympics. When asked their secret, they said, “Close your eyes, and pull like a dog.” This gritty, instinct-driven mantra perfectly mirrors The Scratch’s ethos.

Conor Dockery explains the band’s roots: “We all grew up metalheads, playing heavier, math rock-leaning acts. But The Scratch started when some mates got tired of the metal scene and wanted to do something different — something more authentic.”

Their journey began with a rediscovery of Irish folk, diving deep into legends like Planxty, Bothy Band, and Christy Moore. The fusion clicked naturally, like two worlds blending in a harmonious clash.

The Scratch melding Irish folk roots with hard-hitting metal. (Credit: Evan Doherty)

A Fusion of Folk and Metal: Finding Their Unique Groove

Their live shows are a testament to this hybrid identity. At Chicago’s Subterranean, The Scratch’s setlist weaved traditional Irish tunes like “McAlpine’s Fusiliers” and Christy Moore’s “Joxer Goes to Stuttgart” with their own thunderous originals like “Gladrags” and “Cheeky Bastard.” Conor’s acoustic rendition of “Joxer Goes to Stuttgart,” performed in tribute to his late father, brought the crowd into a shared moment of heartfelt connection — just like a pub back home.

The band draws inspiration from iconic Irish folk acts like Interference, closely linked to Glen Hansard and the movie Once. Their very first song came from learning Hansard’s cover of “Gold,” which sparked a realization that folk and metal could intertwine beautifully.

“We took a section from our old metal band and played it acoustically at the end of the song,” Conor recalls. “It was a moment where we realized these two worlds aren’t so far apart. It’s all about rhythm and groove.”

Cathal and Lango bringing that fierce energy to the stage. (Credit: Asher Selle)

A Decade of Evolution: Crafting a Sound That’s All Their Own

Since that initial spark, The Scratch have spent ten years refining their sound, blending ancient traditions with modern metal intensity. Conor describes their creative journey as “solving an equation” — how to balance these worlds so fans aren’t confused but captivated.

With two EPs and three full-length albums under their belt, their growing fanbase is proof their approach resonates. Their U.S. shows often sell out, filled with mosh pits and singalongs that capture both the wildness and warmth of their music.

Their rising profile has attracted attention from rock royalty too. Mastodon’s Bill Kelliher follows them on social media, Iggy Pop called them “righteous,” and System of a Down shared their orchestral cover of “Aerials,” showing respect from some of metal’s biggest names.

An Unforgettable Encounter: Meeting Paul McCartney

One of the most surreal moments for the band came during a London promo tour when they stumbled upon Paul McCartney at Hobgoblin Music, a folk instrument haven. Gary Regan recalls the encounter:

“I saw a guy standing beside me with a mask and scarf. When he turned, I recognized the accent and my jaw dropped — it was Paul McCartney! At first, no one believed me, thinking I saw a soccer coach, but I was like, ‘Not Mick! Paul McCartney!’”

The Beatles legend shared his thoughts on the joy of making music with your closest friends — a sentiment that perfectly mirrors The Scratch’s own band dynamic.

Jordan “Jordo” O’Leary, the soulful voice of The Scratch. (Credit: Asher Selle)

“Looking at his hands, those hands wrote some of the best songs. How am I actually chatting with a Beatle?”

Irish Music’s Resurgence: Riding the Wave of a New Generation

The Scratch are part of a growing tide of Irish bands making waves internationally, alongside Fontaines D.C., Kneecap, NewDad, and others. Conor believes now is an unprecedented time for Irish acts to find global audiences.

“In the last few years, so many Irish bands have toured overseas and made it a viable career option. We saw them succeed, which gave us confidence and opened doors.”

This zeitgeist reflects much more than luck. Irish music is deeply woven into the country’s history and culture, with authenticity and storytelling at its core. For The Scratch, this means embracing both the beauty and the heaviness that come from Ireland’s turbulent past.

“People here strive for authenticity. It’s in our blood,” says Conor. “We keep each other grounded to avoid getting big heads — that keeps the art real.”

Gary adds, “We’re great storytellers. That’s clear in the lyrics, which often carry a big emotional weight. Ireland’s history of hardship shapes our music.”

Music as Political and Social Expression

While The Scratch might not be as overtly political as some peers, they aren’t shy about their beliefs. On this recent tour, they showed solidarity with causes close to their hearts. Conor wore a Bob Vylan T-shirt, supporting the U.K. band known for their pro-Palestinian stance. The Scratch also pulled out of Manchester’s Radar Festival in protest after Bob Vylan was dropped.

At merch tables, the band asked for donations to help a family in Gaza, with Daniel Lang addressing the crowd about ongoing conflicts.

Their songwriting reflects these themes too. Daniel’s lyrics often dig deep into personal and societal stories — from the poignant “Mother Of God,” dealing with fears of fatherhood, to the ballad “I Hope All Is Forgiven,” a reflection on mortality and unresolved goodbyes.

Conor praises Daniel’s storytelling, calling it his “superpower,” comparing it to modern-day fables.

Conor Dockery weaving meaningful tales through music. (Credit: Asher Selle)

Looking Ahead: Dreams, Collaborations, and Keeping It Real

The Scratch’s evolution continues. Daniel is pushing the band to contribute more to the lyrics for their next project, inspiring even Conor to embrace the Notes app to capture ideas in the middle of the night.

Dreams are big but grounded. Gary hopes to one day sell out a night at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, while Conor dreams of touring with Mastodon or King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard.

Cathal cracks a grin imagining brushing shoulders with Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers backstage. “Imagine going from the Chili Peppers to playing jazz,” he laughs, nodding to Flea’s recent album Honora. “That’s coming out of your comfort zone — something we totally get.”

Conclusion: The Scratch’s Unstoppable Drive to Innovate

The Scratch remind us that sometimes the best music comes from blending the old and the new, honoring roots while daring to be different. Their journey from Dublin buskers to an international force fusing Irish folk with metal is a testament to passion, authenticity, and the courage to pull like a dog.

FAQ

• What inspired the album title Pull Like a Dog?
  It’s a phrase from Irish Olympic rowers Gary and Paul O’Donovan, reflecting a gritty, instinct-driven approach to challenges.
• How does The Scratch blend Irish folk with metal?
  They fuse traditional instruments and folk melodies with heavy metal rhythms and energy, creating a unique sound built on shared groove and rhythm.
• Who are some of The Scratch’s musical influences?
  Influences include Irish folk legends like Planxty and Christy Moore, metal bands, as well as artists like Glen Hansard and System of a Down.
• What kind of social or political causes does the band support?
  They support pro-Palestinian causes and have shown solidarity with bands like Bob Vylan, reflecting a commitment to authentic expression.
• What’s next for The Scratch?
  They’re working on new music with more collaborative lyrics and dream of bigger tours, including selling out Red Rocks and touring with notable metal bands.

Celebrate your love for The Scratch and their powerful blend of Irish folk and metal by shopping your favorite album cover posters at our store. Bring a piece of their journey into your space and keep the music close.

Shop Now at Architeg Prints