Denholm Whale, Toronto-based concert promoter and one third of dark psych/electronic band Odonis Odonis has been hard at work crafting a series of solo releases under the name Scratch, channeling these uncertain times into a powerful creative outlet. With that in mind, we’re honored to premiere the lead single and first track from Scratch’s debut EP, the caustic “Melt.”
“Melt” kicks off the aptly-named Something to Do EP. The track is a four minute onslaught of deep synth bass grooves and whirring guitars, recalling mid-period Suicide, Chrome, and even latter-era Soft Moon to mind. Whale’s whispered vocals blend perfectly with the song’s angular textures, while electronic drums drive the track forward and add a welcome club-centric element.
On the song’s genesis and themes, Whale states:
“In late 2019 I was diagnosed with panic disorder. I wrote this song as an ode to my internal dialogue during bouts of extreme and unavoidable panic. The music serves as an analogy to the waves of feeling that carry alongside. It’s about the urge to melt away.”
The Something to Do EP drops on June 19th on Whale’s Bandcamp page, where you can also download Scratch’s previous two-track singles for name-your-own price. The EP will be released via Sepsis Record Club, who will also be publishing a cassette copy for collectors and fans of physical media at a later date. Check below for the full EP track list and digital pre-order links:
Scratch- Something to Do EP
1. Melt
2. Out of It
3. Medication
4. Pool Hop
Pre-order digital EP here
Artwork and photo by Juliana Carlevaris
