Critical Mass DVD
The Scratch are undeniably kids of the 1970s. With their lead singer soon flaunting a goading stare that Johnny Rotten himself would be proud of, complete with eyeballs popping out. As with the histrionics, the single mimics the Sex Pistols punk attitude at times whilst celebrating the DIY ethic of The Clash. The result is decidedly edgy punk sprinkled with pop sensibilities. Despite the band holding punk values there is a cheeky 80s twang in Critical Mass. Like a throwback to the decade of pastel jackets and hair mousse, unashamed bass lines supply a throbbing backbone. Sex Pistols may not approve but The Scratch do not make music to please everyone, long may it continue.
In this day and age of reality TV bands and 15 minutes of fame for all it takes some balls to make such out of sync music, which is probably to the bands success. Like the video accompanying the single, a healthy playfulness exists both in the song and between the band. Flitting between a well tempered live performance and the band jokingly strolling the streets displays the bands two more enduring facets. Whilst the minimal contrasting of black and white could be seen as bleak it helps to maintain their urgency. No gimmicks, no special effects; the video could easily have been made in the 70s, just like The Scratch.