Can-do attitudes are a bit of a buzzword these days as we haul our way out of a recession and there’s no better band to sum up the zeitgeist of the new 'make do and mend' era than St Albans post-punk outfit The Scratch, who are hosting a launch party at The Horn for their newly re-issued debut album, DIY.

I first interviewed The Scratch back in 2007 when they were picked up by XFM DJ Clint Boon, who offered the band the chance of opening the Versus Cancer show at the 22,000 capacity MEN Arena in Manchester via a listeners votes competition. Opening for the likes of Noel Gallagher, Paul Weller The Charlatans, Ian Brown and Echo & The Bunnymen, was certainly a high point. Boutique festival appearances followed and a successful residency at The Horn, which introduced the band’s third studio album, Whatever Happened to Friday Night?

Now with new St Albans drummer Terry (aka Super) on board and the original four-piece stretched to five with the addition of Steve from Stevenage joining Andy, Grim and John, The Scratch are concentrating on rehearsing material for a fourth album that will be showcased for the first time at the launch.

“It’s been a complete rebirth if you like,” says lead singer Andy. “We went up quite a few levels with the MEN Arena and it’s hard to maintain that peak so we’re looking to local venues to reaffirm our determination.

“You’ve got to get up and create your own stuff. We’re not into X Factor style bands; it’s about people making an effort to do something themselves rather than following a template.”

Their electro-punk sound is certainly unique with songs like Teen idol and X-Ray Eyes packing quite a punch. Andy says the band’s influences are pretty wide: “Our influences include Ray Davies, the Buzzcocks, which is what Clint Boon picked up on and there’s also some ‘60s Kinks, ‘70s T-Rex and a Primal Scream Madchester thing going on.”

The Scratch also have a distinctive sense of Mod-influenced style.

“What we try and do is create an atmosphere to get people up for it. We like to make an effort. We dress to impress.”

The band also play The Boot and Bar 62 in October as part of a St Albans mini tour.

The Scratch DIY launch party is at The Horn, Victoria Street, St Albans on Friday, October 8. Details: 01727 853143, www.thescratch.co.uk