Single Review: I Luv Her But She Does My Fuckin' Ed In by Cigarettes and Scratchcards

 

I Luv Her But She Does My Fuckin’ Ed In.

By

Cigarettes and Scratchcards

 

It was way back in April last year that I featured Manchester MC, Cigarettes and Scratchcards with his single 1984. That review, see link below, included some bio on the man, so this time I’m just gonna take you straight into the review.

So, let’s go…

 

Now, the title of this one leaves little to the imagination and conjures up a lot of thoughts and images of what this one could be about but, before we go judging the title and what we might hear, lets just take a listen.

As the heavy guitar kicks in, it’s immediately that this one is not my usual Hip Hop sound, this one has a heavy punk sound that is courtesy of live instruments. The vibe is high energy and the sound mixed with Cig’s rapped vocals brings some interesting images to the mind, that will probably appeal to some of the older Hip Hop crowd who, like myself, grew up in the 70’s and 80’s where punk rock was still a huge scene.

So, what does Cig’s have to say one this one? The first thing that you realise is that this single is not focused on an individual but, just like the original punk records, this one is a look at our country and the society we live in. So, the ‘Her’ in the title is Britannia, Great Britain or how ever you chose to see it. This one is, as you might expect, a proper political statement, in parts, with shots taken at the government, the banks, and a lot more. The main message here is that, you might well love the country in which you live but, the way that it is run by those who the people have placed in the highest position of power, plays with that affection; you may have been born here and have so much love for the family and friends that surround you, feel so much connection with countryside and the ancient sites of historical significance however, the struggles placed upon you by government, the banking system, and the things outside of your control, really push you to the point where you question the balance of love for the country over the stress caused by the powers that be.

Overall, you might call this a fusion of Rap and Punk and it is one of those tracks that might appeal to one camp or the other but, there will be a number of listeners that will enjoy that crossover sound and understand exactly where Cig’s is coming from in delivering a message in this way, as it reaches out beyond the rap or punk fans. But the real test for you the listener, is to give this one a go, have a listen and feel what is being said and then decide if it is for you.

For me it was not my normal sound but, that vibe mixed with the strong statements within, really had me feeling this one. OK, so it might not be something I’ll have on repeat necessarily but, it is one of those that you can come back to when you need an escape from the norm or a bit of a rant at the establishment, something that is needed right now, if we’re honest right!

I Luv Her but She Does My Fuckin’ Ed In by Cigarettes and Scratchcards is out now on all the usual streaming platforms.

Big up to Cigs for sending me something a little different to get my head into.

Till next time,

I’m Out.

Steve

LINKS

All the links for streaming this single and more can be found Here:

https://linktr.ee/cigarettes.scratchcards

Cigarettes and Scratchcards Social Links:

https://www.facebook.com/cigarettesxscratchcards

https://www.instagram.com/cigssssss/

https://www.youtube.com/@cigssssss

VIDEO

Single Review: 1984 by Cigarettes and Scratchcards

 

1984

By

Cigarettes and Scratchcards

 

1984 is the first release from the up coming second album from Manchester artist Cigarettes and Scratchcards. This is the first he has featured on Infinite Sounds and as such you might not be familiar with his work. So, here is a bit about him courtesy of this short Bio…

The self-described “anti-artist” is something of a non-conformist when it comes to the current music climate. His sound consists of social observations and dystopian dialect.

 

Of course, understanding that Cigarettes and Scratchcards Grew up in a working class estate in Wigan, a place once home to the infamous George Orwell - it becomes apparent that the sound we hear today is concomitant with Scratchcards upbringing.

Whilst Scratchcards is largely known for his compelling production, best observed through 2022’s “Scorched Earth Tapes”; he is also known to be one of the most gifted rappers and audio engineers in the UK, and beyond. From the pen to the press - he does it all.

In addition to his own music, Scratchcards has respectable collaboration credits, having produced for the likes of; Grim Sickers, Tremz, and Local - to name but a few. On an engineering basis, Scratchcards is responsible for various works with established acts, including; Window Kid, and Sox, as well as many of Manchester’s emerging talents.

For 2023, we can expect a steady work rate from Cigarettes and Scratchcards,

with his second album “Post-Apocalypse” due in the coming months, as well as various international collaborations.

With all that in mind might we expect 1984 to be something a little different? Well, the easiest way to find that out is for me to get into it…

Described by one of his most personal works to date, 1984 begins with drums closely followed by this heavy bass sound and a mix of synth sounds which creates this dark inner-city vibe that has you picturing damp, dark alleyways that are strewn with rubbish. Cigarettes and Scratchcards then provides what is more akin to a spoken word narrative which, initially, focuses on his life across a couple of tough days where he shows life in all its stark, dark reality. He then expands to a greater view of what life is like in the ever-encroaching digital age, a place where books are seen as little more than firewood by many who would rather bow to the rise of the matrix.

As you listen to what Cigarettes and Scratchcards has to say on 1984, you can feel that deep personal aspect as he describes how depressing life really is for those who are stuck in the day-to-day struggle to survive and find a silver lining where little seems to shine beyond the grey clouds and the shadow of ‘Big Brothers’ ever watchful gaze.

1984 is more than just a look at how modern-day life reflects the vision of writers such as George Orwell and those dark dystopian futures that he foretold, no this is a look at how life is for a majority of people in the UK, especially those in the deprived inner-city areas. This is not a vision of a dark dystopian future born of the mind of visionary novelist, this is the stark, gritty reality of everyday life laid bare for all to see, especially those who chose not to see just how much the populace has become the pawns in the game of the rich and entitled. In fact, you could even say that the powers that be might view us as the shit on their shoes, which they would eradicate tomorrow if they could.

This is not one for the sunny days but, more one for those who chose to think about what is really going on beyond the apparent wonders of the digital world. Cigarettes and Scratchcards shows the impressive and intelligent grasp of wordplay and storytelling that could lead him to be looked on as the George Orwell of the music world perhaps?

1984 is out today, so give this one a listen and ask yourself just how much you own life mirrors that of Cigarettes and Scratchcards.

My thanks to Benson Hedges for sending this one my way and for the bio included in italics.

Time for me to be outta here,

See Ya.

Steve

LINKS

Check this Linktr.ee for all your Cigarettes and Scratchcard links:

https://linktr.ee/cigarettes.scratchcards

 

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