Pitchshifter w/ thisGIRL and The Kennedy Soundtrack

The excitement had been brewing under the surface all day and finally at half past 7, the big crowd that descended on the college town of Manchester in northwest England started piling into the Manchester University concert hall. We weren�t there to study, that's for sure!

The first support band 'thisGIRL' went over well, but only as far as the crowd nodding their heads in tandem to the music. Their songs aren't bad, but you get the feeling that thisGIRL haven't really found the musical formula and direction that they need to be a real force in the music scene. 

The Kennedy Soundtrack, were greeted with a warmer reception than thisGIRL. Whether that was due to TKS being considerably better than thisGIRL, or the fact that now most of the crowd had a chance to have a beer or two could be argued. It was probably a combination of both. TKS performed a set of good songs. Their sound has been widely described as 'rap-metal', but that description is misleading, as that genre doesn�t capture the real essence of the raw talent that TKS displays from stage. They're good, and they know it, as the crowd rocked along to every song which included "Killing Music", "24/7" and their new single "Bloodshot Eyes", all of which are great songs that showcased the contrasting sounds of Harvard�s raps, and Challenger�s melodies.

But we came to see Pitchshifter and we were eagerly awaited the main event!

With a sound difficult to place in any genre, past offerings of "electro punk" and "nu-metal" simply do not do Pitchshifter justice. With music composed of combination of definitive drumbeats, effects (like those from 'Hidden Agenda'), and riffs that instantly get the crowd into rocking mode, Pitchshifter are a band ahead of their time. 

That night Pitchshifter was in Manchester to promote their latest album, �P.S.I�, which hit the British Isles earlier this year. As the house lights dimmed, the energy level surged, J.S.Claydon appeared on stage and reacted honestly with his crowd proclaiming happily, "we're all pissed", but to no effect. The set commences and continues with the same high quality of performance from beginning to end. 

Songs from 'Deviant' were received enthusiastically with J.S. Claydon holding his mike out to his captive audience, with a smug look on his face, encouraging them to sing along. Pitchshifter didn�t hold anything back from their longtime faithful fans during their 50 minute set as they roared through a set that included �Condescension�, �Dead Battery� and �Keep it Clean,� from their album �Deviant,� an album that made many in the crowd fans in the first place. There were some doubts of whether they could pull of their sound effects in a live performance, but we had no need to worry, as �Hidden Agenda� was played in all its magnificence, complete with excellent effects. 

Pitchshifter meet the latest material with equal amounts of energy and dedication that they put into the songs from �Deviant�. They threw themselves full force into favorites from �P.S.I.� including �8 days�, �Shut Down�, �Microwaved� and �Genius�. On stage Pitchshifter is charismatic with a capital C. They seem to connect with their audience in a hypnotic way that is nearly impossible to ignore as the heart pounding beats and bone crushing riffs envelope your entire being. Once they snatch your attention, gained as soon as they walk on stage, your attention stays transfixed on their mesmerizing performance throughout their entire performance, never wavering from song to song.

With a set that only last 50 minutes, Pitchshifter leaves you wanting more as they leave the stage and the musical bedlam that preceded it. However, at the same time you feel more than satisfied with the experience you've just been through. 

Visit Pitchshifter's home page for more on the band and their new album

Purchase Pitchshifter music and listen to samples.