Irish trad and metal aren’t the strange bedfellows that some sections of the media have made out. Over the years, the likes of Mael Mordha, Cruachan and  Iron Maiden have all channelled their inner Victor Frankenstein, and breathed new life into both genres by splicing them together.

However, few have electrified the mainstream and underground at home quite like The Scratch. Their fusion of dark humour, hooks and metal has propelled the Dublin foursome from viral buskers to one of the best new acts around.

Their second album sees them soar to new heights. Produced by James Vincent McMorrow and forged in Dundalk, the Good Ship Scratch sail into proggier pastures on Mind Yourself. Indeed, it’s a labyrinthine LP crammed with hypnotic hymns (‘Trom II (A Slip In The Wind)’); confessional lyrics (‘Shoes’); and cap tips to Horslips (‘Cheeky Bastard’).

Their heaviest track to date, ‘Blaggard’ is an uplifting blast of neck-bothering goodness, wrapping an early, Soulfly-esque riff around psychobilly rhythms. The grunge-spiced ‘Hole In The Ground’, meanwhile, is another huge highlight. Perfectly capturing the power and passion of The Scratch’s live show, Mind Yourself is a late contender for album of the year.

9/10