The Itch are a London duo and this is their debut single, ‘Ursula’. A seven-minute homage to cult author Ursula K. Le Guin that invites the themes of suffering and fulfilment from The Dispossessed into the duo’s sound. What a way to introduce yourselves, hey?
A rotating cast for their live shows means that a sense of mystery surrounds the duo. Nobody knows who the actual members are. Ursula would be proud, and the single could be anything but a mystery. Once its atmospheric build up begins to subside, its direct approach brings full-forced electronics to the ears, filling the room with beats and glitchy moments that subverts structure and adds a little strange to the mix.
Its throwback sound and all-encompassing vocals takes inspiration from the biggest 80s anthems, but The Itch lace their debut with lyrics that add horror to its infectious sound. Depicting desires to take down the government, place heads on spikes and generally fuck things up adds a real excitement that’s only discovered when diving deeper, and the way that The Itch integrate it with its booming instrumental is excellent.
‘Ursula’ is a genuine surprise and a fantastic song. Not many artists kickstart their careers with a lengthy tune, but this project doesn’t strike me as one that follows the norm. The song invites you to dive deep into the depths of their influences, while ensuring their own personality is heard too. It’s great, and certainly scratches that Itch.