The Scratch

“Close your eyes and pull like a dog”—that was the response given by Irish Olympic rowers Gary and Paul O’Donovan in a 2016 interview when asked to describe their race strategy for an upcoming event. The previously non-existent phrase caught on and has since become a cultural shorthand for the raw tenacity needed to accomplish just about anything.

For the four-piece band from Dublin, this phrase became a symbol of their shared mindset regarding their new album—titled *Pull Like A Dog*, The Scratch released their third album on March 6, 2026, via Sony Music Ireland. “It’s just another way of saying ‘go for it’ and see what happens,” explains Daniel “Lango” Lang (cajón, percussion, lead vocals). “It’s a motivating phrase we needed at the time to inspire a bit of gusto.”

Pull Like A Dog is a further evolution of the acoustic/electric folk-metal fusion they established on their previous album, Mind Yourself, resulting in their most mature and energetic work to date. “As a band, this feels like a new beginning,” says Conor (guitar, backing vocals). “I think the changes we’ve faced have given us a lot of room to grow, maybe into roles we felt were off limits before. Openness, perseverance, and positivity—this album embodies all of that.”

The Scratch consists of Conor Dockery, Cathal McKenna, Daniel Lang, and Gary Regan.

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