Scratch Acid's first two albums were releases by Texas indie record label Rabid Cat, the third and final release, Berserker EP by Touch and Go Records. A posthumous compilation CD entitled The Greatest Gift, was released by Touch and Go Records in 1991.
Their genre is not too easily defined, but contains elements of post punk, and harder elements from garage rock and noise rock and perhaps punk and 80s hardcore. They would fit under the very broad and general umbrella term for much of this kind of musical activity in the mid to late 80s U.S. Underground "Post Hardcore", but this term can cover a wide range of artists from that time, many quite dissimilar, but with roots in the hardcore scene and its fringes, and has since been used to include many other artists after this time. In the book 'Our Band Could Be Your Life: Scenes from the American Underground 1981-1991', music journalist Michael Azzerad referred to an "aesthetic cabal of sorts" (Azerrad, 255)[3] called pigfuck which included contemporaries who were ultimately friends existing in the same circles at the same time and generally, though not always, in 'Middle America', such as Big Black, Killdozer, Butthole Surfers, etc., and Scratch Acid were clearly close to this 'camp'.
After developing a reputation as a crazy, noisy punk band, Scratch Acid disbanded in 1987. According to the liner notes of The Greatest Gift, the band members never received compensation from either Rabid Cat or Fundamental Records (who distributed their releases in Europe).
Brett Bradford went on to form Sangre De Toro and play with Areola 51. Washam went on to perform with many other bands, including the Big Boys, Ministry, Helios Creed, the Didjits, Lard, and Tad. In 1987, Sims and Washam joined Steve Albini in the band Rapeman, which disbanded three years later. Sims reunited with Yow in 1989 to form The Jesus Lizard.
All of the original members of the band appeared at the Touch and Go 25th anniversary celebration taking place in Chicago, Illinois on September 8-10, 2006.
Amicus
Scratch Acid Lyrics
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Sittin n sweatin' n nary movin' an inch
Amicus
But the nasty wench (she who's so cold)
Was again then again amicus
Amicus there was her all pricked with pores
Sittin n sweatin' n nrry movin' an inch
There was her all pricked with pores
Amicus amicus
Amicus
But the nasty wench (she who's so cold)
Was again then again
There was her all pricked with pores
Sittin n sweatin' n nary movin' an inch
Amicus amicus
Amicus amicus
The lyrics to Scratch Acid's song "Amicus" are quite enigmatic and open to interpretation. It seems to depict a scene where a person, referred to as "her," is portrayed as inert and covered in sweat. The phrase "pricked with pores" suggests a state of discomfort or vulnerability. The repetition of "Amicus" throughout the song gives the impression of a mantra or chant, possibly used as a way to cope with the situation.
The term "Amicus" itself can be interpreted in a few different ways. "Amicus" is a Latin word that means "friend," but it can also refer to a specific legal term in English law, where an amicus curiae (friend of the court) refers to a person or organization who provides expert advice or assistance to the court. It could be that the lyrics are using this term metaphorically, perhaps suggesting that the person in the song is seeking help or guidance.
Furthermore, the lyrics include the phrases "the nasty wench" and "she who's so cold," which introduce elements of negativity and hostility. These phrases could refer to an individual who is causing the person in the song distress or discomfort. The repetition of "again then again" could imply that this is an ongoing or recurring situation.
Overall, "Amicus" appears to be a song that captures a perplexing and uneasy atmosphere, with its vivid imagery and repetitive phrases. It leaves room for individual interpretation and could represent the challenging emotions one experiences in difficult relationships or circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
There was her all pricked with pores
She was there, covered in tiny holes
Sittin n sweatin' n nary movin' an inch
Just sitting, sweating, and not budging at all
Amicus
A Latin word meaning 'friend'
But the nasty wench (she who's so cold)
However, the unpleasant woman (who is emotionally distant)
Was again then again amicus
Became a friend once more, and then repeatedly
Amicus there was her all pricked with pores
Friend, there she was with all her pores pricked
Sittin n sweatin' n nrry movin' an inch
Just sitting, sweating, and hardly moving at all
There was her all pricked with pores
She was there, covered in tiny holes
Sittin n sweatin' n nary movin' an inch
Just sitting, sweating, and not budging at all
Amicus amicus
Friend, friend
Amicus
A Latin word meaning 'friend'
But the nasty wench (she who's so cold)
However, the unpleasant woman (who is emotionally distant)
Was again then again
Became a friend once more, and then repeatedly
There was her all pricked with pores
She was there, covered in tiny holes
Sittin n sweatin' n nary movin' an inch
Just sitting, sweating, and not budging at all
Amicus amicus
Friend, friend
Amicus amicus
Friend, friend
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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