The Scratch

*“Close your eyes and pull like a dog,” was the answer once given by Irish Olympic rowers Gary and Paul O’Donovan in a 2016 interview, when asked to describe their game plan for an upcoming race. The phrase – previously non-existent – caught on and has since become cultural shorthand for the straightforward tenacity required to do pretty much anything.*

*For Dublin-based four-piece The Scratch, the phrase came to represent a collective headspace going into their forthcoming album – titled Pull Like A Dog, scheduled for release on 6th March 2026 via Sony Music Ireland. “It’s just another way of saying ‘send it’ and see what happens,” Daniel “Lango” Lang (cajón, percussion, lead vocals) explains. “It’s a motivating phrase we needed, at the time, to inspire a bit of gusto.”*

*In a league of their own when it comes to live performances, the high-voltage folk-metal band have been busy touring the past few months. From hitting the road with the Dropkick Murphys across the US, packing-out festival sets across Europe, supporting Dermot Kennedy in Australia and performing at the UK’s Download Festival, the band are showing no signs of slowing down.*

*By purchasing a ticket to this event you are agreeing to adhere to Islington Assembly Hall’s terms and conditions: https://islingtonassemblyhall.co.uk/customer-terms-conditions-2022/*

*All tickets to shows at Islington Assembly Hall are subject to a Venue Levy of £1.50 + VAT. As a Grade II listed building, this levy will be reinvested into Islington Assembly Hall and its services, meaning the customer experience can continue to be enhanced.*

Presented by Live Nation.

This is a 16+ event – you may be asked to prove your age and if you are not able to show valid ID, you may be refused entry. Valid ID includes passports, driving licences, over 16+ zip oyster photocard and citizen cards. Photocopies will not be accepted.