Fresh Picks: The Scutches.

The Scutches – Long Island, NewYork, USA.

The Scutches are very much underground veterans hailing from Long Island, New York. 2017 has been somewhat of a reawakening for the band in many respects, as although it’s now been three years since they have released studio material, the band have now set back to touring and have a new record set for release very soon.

So with that, the time it seems is perfect for another Fresh Picks and a short look at band whose no bullshit, zero pretension upbeat Punk music requires your ears.

With eight releases including EPs and more than one full-length, the band’s sound is beautifully simplistic and reminiscent. Their geographical positioning quite oddly echoes little in their sound, for its the sunny beaches of California rather than winding alleys and block streets of Long Island that you envision.

‘Promises’ is from the bands eponymous third release where the band’s stripped down Punk/Pop-Punk/Power-Pop crossover takes one-part Ramones and one-part The Beach Boys California Surf-Rock and adds it to their already 90’s fuelled but Surf-esque “lets just start a band and play” aesthetic.

This is no criticism however as The Scutches have very much naturally allowed their music to flow and in all honesty, if it isn’t broken why fix it?

As much you will undoubtedly hear odes of Cali-Punk almost throughout the band’s career as it flirts with the Surf, the upbeat pogo-Punk of the Bouncing Souls can be heard in small amounts here and there as can the bitter-sweet Pop-Punk that was prevalent in the late 90’s and the early 2000’s.

The Sharon Chronicles released in 2010 is perhaps the band’s poppiest material taking cues from both the lighter sides of both the Ramones and Teenage Bottlerocket.

The Ego Has Landed darkens the sound of the previous release albeit only slightly with darker-toned guitars and a more Garage Rock grit and distortion.

This fifth release also begins to explore a more acoustic angle where the band’s tendency for a Garage Rock twang attaches itself to acoustic guitars and calmer less abrasive Pop songs, which although striking in contrast actually work very well. See tracks nine through twelve.

The one thing I absolutely love about this band is the fact they really don’t take themselves with anymore seriousness than is required. As you glide through their releases you feel no pressure to start anywhere in particular in the way you would with any other new discovery with an extensive back catalogue, rather with The Scutches you could start absolutely anywhere and have it as natural as the music itself.

That said, the bands Ten Songs, Ten Years is an excellent starting point if you are indeed lost and can’t quite decide where to start the fun.

“The Fun” is exactly the description you would utter when referring to your listening experience with this band. I have no overt compliments bar what I have already said and similarly I have no criticisms either because sometimes, sometimes we just need music that just works and doesn’t want anything more.

But we aren’t done yet! The two most recent releases from The Scutches are also well worth your time. The (assorted singles) EP is the inevitable acoustic release from a band this experienced while Glass House boasts more on the same Punk-founded, Pop-conditioned and genuinely feel-good band that is The Scutches.

Out west? Catch the band on tour in April and get acquainted with them below:

Find the band below:

• For updates, find the band on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
• The band’s music can be found on bandcamp, iTunes/Apple Music and Spotify.

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