Scratch Acid
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1982 in Austin, Texas, United States |
| Defunct | 1987 |
| Headquarters | Austin , United States |
| Products | Music albums and EPs |
Scratch Acid was a post-hardcore and noise rock group originating from Austin, Texas, established in 1982. Recognized as one of the early innovators of 1980s noise rock, the band is notably remembered for launching the careers of frontman David Yow and bassist David Wm. Sims, both of whom later became members of the Jesus Lizard.
History
The band came together in Austin, Texas, in 1982, initially comprising Steve Anderson (vocals), David Wm. Sims (guitar), Brett Bradford (guitar), David Yow (bass), and Rey Washam (drums). Before recording any material, Anderson was removed from the lineup, prompting Yow to assume vocal duties while Sims transitioned to bass guitar.
Their debut EP appeared in 1984 under the Texas independent label Rabid Cat. This release included the track "Lay Screaming," which Yow cited as being inspired by the Marquis de Sade.
Scratch Acid's first full-length album, Just Keep Eating, was released in 1986, also through Rabid Cat. The album title was an inside joke referencing their communal living arrangements and determination. Stylistically, they distanced themselves from mainstream pop and aligned with contemporaries such as Sonic Youth, Big Black, and Butthole Surfers.
Their final record, the Berserker EP, was issued via Touch and Go Records. In 1991, Touch and Go released a post-breakup compilation titled The Greatest Gift.
Style and legacy
Scratch Acid has drawn comparisons to the Australian group The Birthday Party, though music critic Andrew Earles attributes this largely to shared influences during the same era. In his book Gimme Indie Rock, Earles emphasizes the band's lyrical themes revolving around "societal gallows humor, depravity, and adolescent-to-adult sociopathic nastiness."
According to Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic, Scratch Acid played a pivotal role in shaping much of the distorted and aggressive alternative and punk rock that emerged during the 1990s. Music journalist Will Lerner described them as "the American counterpart to the Birthday Party." After building a reputation for their intense and noisy punk sound, Scratch Acid disbanded in 1987. Liner notes from The Greatest Gift reveal that members were never financially compensated by Rabid Cat or Fundamental Records, which managed their European distribution.
Gary Davis from Flipside lauded their live shows for their rawness and sincerity:
"...The band delivers straightforward, rapid, and powerful performances without relying on gimmicks or elaborate staging. Scratch Acid simply takes the stage dressed casually and begins playing. Their music's quality speaks for itself."
Later projects and reunions
Brett Bradford went on to establish the Colorado punk band Great Caesar's Ghost, which dissolved in 1993; he later formed Sangre De Toro and collaborated with Areola 51. Rey Washam contributed his talents to groups such as the Big Boys, Ministry, Helios Creed, the Didjits, Lard, and Tad. In 1987, Sims and Washam joined forces with Steve Albini in Rapeman, which disbanded before Sims reunited with Yow in 1989 to create the Jesus Lizard.
All original members came together again at Austin’s venue Emo's on September 2, 2006, followed by a show celebrating Touch and Go Records’ 25th anniversary in Chicago on September 9. Their final reunion performance took place at Seattle’s Showbox Theater on September 16, where they played 20 out of their 28 recorded songs.
In March 2012, Scratch Acid performed in the UK for the first time since 1987 at the British All Tomorrow's Parties festival curated by Jeff Mangum of Neutral Milk Hotel. Subsequently, David Wm. Sims announced additional dates across the United States for November and December, with possible European appearances. On August 31, David Yow shared the complete tour itinerary via Facebook.
Discography
- EPs
- Scratch Acid (1984, Rabid Cat) – Reached number 26 on UK Indie charts
- Berserker (1987, Touch and Go Records) – Achieved number 7 on UK Indie charts
- Albums
- Just Keep Eating (1986, Rabid Cat)
- Compilation Albums
- The Greatest Gift (1991, Touch and Go Records)