"Scratching the Surface" is the debut studio album by the British blues rock band The Groundhogs. Released in 1968, the album showcases a classic blues-driven rock sound characteristic of its era. The band, which formed in the early 1960s, consists of Tony "T.S." McPhee on guitar and vocals, Peter Cruickshank on bass, Ken Pustelnik on drums, and Steve Rye on harmonica for this album.
"Scratching the Surface" reflects the influences of traditional American blues artists while incorporating the burgeoning rock elements of the 1960s. The album features tracks that exemplify the band’s gritty and raw interpretation of blues music, highlighted by McPhee's guitar work and Rye's harmonica licks.
The album's themes often delve into common blues motifs, such as struggle and heartache, rendered with a British twist. Notable tracks include "Rocking Chair," "Early in the Morning," and "Still a Fool." This album set the stage for The Groundhogs' future exploration into more progressive and hard rock territories.
The Groundhogs would eventually gain a larger following in the early 1970s with albums such as "Thank Christ for the Bomb" and "Split." However, "Scratching the Surface" remains a significant starting point for their musical journey, capturing the raw and authentic blend of blues and rock that they would evolve over subsequent releases.
