Time cannot rust this industrial metal band: Pitchshifter are back once again to prove that they’re one of the most innovative bands out there! Please welcome to the stage…
PITCHSHIFTER
With all the nostalgia, hometown pride and catharsis of Pitchshifter reuniting once more, the crowd went – and we don’t say this lightly – absolutely mental. It was a serious throwback to the nineties. While the band reminisced of their early days in the Rock City basement, they said they’d “settle for the main stage if we have to”. Ironic, since they didn’t let a single ounce of dust or sweat settle on that stage tonight.
As an opening gambit, Microwaved is perfect to get your goosebumps on edge and heart racing with raucous rage. The return to home soil of one of the most original acts Nottingham has produced; long before mixing electronica and rock was a thing, Pitchshifter were doing it. Decades before, in fact. To solidify that fact, frontman JS Clayden is a man on a mission to make this a night to remember. He owns the stage with a huge smile and takes every person present on over an hour of pure nostalgic escape. The music may be old, but it’s as relevant today as it was when new.
Crowd surfers wash over the barriers like an incoming tide. What’s In It For Me? is frenetically charged, evoking a youthful sprite within the crowd. Seamlessly transitioning into Shutdown, it’s clear everyone is enjoying themselves way too much to get angsty over the passing of time. “My ol’ paps is on the balcony up there. Do us a favour – he will end up joining you in the pit, but please just catch him safely!” Well, that’s one way to reassure a crowd that they’re not dialling back on carnage (and we can confirm, no fathers were harmed in the making of this gig).
“We’re truly back in the nineties, folks! Let’s rock!”
The traditional encore is done away with in favour of just playing more songs, a move other acts ought to give consideration to. We certainly don’t feel worn out by the omission, at least. No rest for the wicked, for when we finally arrive at the final song of the night, there’s real emotion in the venue. No pun intended, it’s rather Genius how they’ve organically curated a few tears, and importantly a sea of grins, in just an hour-long setlist.
The band showed no signs of rust as they smashed through their hits from the Desensitized, Infotainment, Deviant and PSI albums. Between songs, singer JS Clayden recognised people in the front row from back in the day (although much older), starting deafening Pitchshifter chants. Maybe in another twenty years, Pitchshifter will return once again. Hopefully sooner.
PITCHSHIFTER PERFORMED SATURDAY 30TH NOVEMBER
WORDS: TALIA ROBINSON
ROCK CITY NOTTINGHAM
We’re not only Nottingham’s favourite venue and nightclub – we’re the UK’s best live venue with a rich history of performers that have played here. Give it up for Pitchshifter who kept us rockin’ out like it was the nineties!
Also while you’re at it, why not check out our gig guide and see if any other of your favourite artists like Pitchshifter are playing soon! We also have our club nights on a Thursday (Tuned), Friday (Get Lucky) and Saturday (Rebel Rebel) so check those out too!
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