Pitchshifter - 'PSI-entology' (Sanctuary)
4/5
By: Samantha Hall
Pitchshifter are, sadly, no longer with us. Yet that hasn't stopped them turning out a mighty fine DVD. Very much in-tune with the attitude and outlook of their fans.
Anyone who was lucky enough to see this flaming, raw band play live would appreciate how gurgling and extreme their shows really were. To capture this somewhat gritty ambience best, Pitchshifter choose to be very lo-fi in their recording techniques; the live concert on this DVD was filmed using just two mini-DV cameras and a DAT tape at the mixing desk. The audio was one stereo channel. There was no mobile studio. No overdubs. No teams of techs. No million dollars. Just 'Pitchshifter, their crew and their fans'.
The idea is admirable and artistically brilliant but, in truth, makes for one rather sickening video: very hard on the eye and quite static because of the lack of camera movement. With such a vivid and raging band as Pitchshifter, it's hard, very hard, to observe just what the hell is going on. Even the normally rampant likes of 'Genius' and 'Microwaved' fail to hit the spot as they should've done.
The band's own music videos, however, were and are superb. Commentary and a diverse range of films displaying all the members' side-projects prove commendable; it's rare for a vitriol-incensed rock band really to support and encourage the growth of individual members so extensively.
The mixes are original and a quaint afterthought, but it is the interviews that are truly satisfying for the 'Shifter die-hard. The sepia shots of the interviews prove quietly sombre, when remembering that such a powerful band - which had such a great love and respect for each other - as musicians are no longer running their course. The photos, discography and family tree too are quaint; detailed and explanatory channels of the journey of the band - of the people that made it happen, the heroes, the life-machines.
This indeed seems a new side to Pitchshifter. Such a thrash-metal band, despite rather daunting appearances at times, proving humble, kind and really quite sweet throughout. A true life-story of a band that changed the heavy music scene in Britain substantially and absolutely, without hype.
Artists in this article: Pitchshifter
Your Feedback
Login to post your comment