The Itch
The Grace, London

 
THE start of the year always sees a selection of showcases as venues look to fill rooms and give new bands a chance to shine in the depths of winter.

At Highbury’s The Grace, in front of a packed crowd, London’s The Itch – as distinct from a number of identically monikered bands – storm the small stage with their own brand of indie pop rock cum dance that echoes a host of bands through the ages.
 
Over the course of an eight-song set you have synth beats and loops, experimental art rock merged with good old indie pop. Adding some nu rave grooves this is a set that is tight, light and intriguing all while getting you moving and grooving.
 
Having emerged from the ashes of Regressive Left, this deft, mildly acerbic and in terms of lyrics arch punk pop take on society is well worth seeking out.

If a bit of Bryan Ferry Roxy Music crooning shtick is your bag, then third track Ursula stands out with the band doing their best to put the world to rights while keeping a collective groove going as lead singer Simon Tyrie channels Japan era David Sylvian while bashing his keys.

Other tracks echo elements of Rick Wakeman, Talking Heads some Klaxons nu-rave and even a bit of Blade Runner era Vangelis synth space rock crossed with Underworld Born Slippy wonder.

And there is also a message, tracks call out modern age capitalism, society’s atomisation and why things must change.

This is the type of band that will either soar or implode. They have grooves that would get the adrenaline flowing at any festival (note they are booked for a few this summer so search them out) and that have a fun-filled funk-fuelled punk prog edge that makes you think, dance and more.

With no web presence – they simply have an Instagram account with no posts – it really is left to the music to do the talking, and it’s worth it. This is an itch worth scratching, because there is so much more beneath the surface.

Playing The George Taven, London tomorrow night.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theitch_music/