"Scratches" is a stunningly intimate highlight from Arliston's debut album, Disappointment Machine, a record that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant. As a fan of their music, I’ve admired their ability to capture raw emotion with such delicate precision, and this track is no exception. The fragile piano melody and hushed vocals perfectly convey the regret and loneliness that follow an argument, making every lyric feel deeply personal. The image of someone absentmindedly scratching a table while waiting for their partner to return is heartbreakingly vivid... subtle yet profoundly moving. I’ve followed Arliston’s journey over the past year, and with every release, they seem to push deeper into something truly sincere. Their ability to blend ambient textures with introspective storytelling reminds me of artists like The National and Bon Iver, but they bring a unique intimacy that feels entirely their own. The music industry needs more artists like Arliston... those who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable, to tell stories that aren’t neatly wrapped up, and to create music that lingers in your mind long after it ends. "Scratches" is a perfect example of this, and Disappointment Machine is a must-listen for anyone who craves music that truly resonates.
“This one of the oldest songs on the album and is the only one written outside of that two-week window in November 2023. It’s a simple narrative about a married couple, who have an argument. One is waiting in the kitchen, “scratching up the table with a knife” (more in an absent-minded way than malicious!), waiting for the other to come back and see the automatic garden light to click on. Having faith that they will come back, but they never do.” - Arliston
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