The band was formed in 1989 by bassist Mark Clayden with guitarist and programmer Johnny Carter, later joined by vocalist JS Clayden and Stuart Toolin. During this time, the band played with local bands and soon gained attention of the Peaceville Records. During this time, JS went to live in France to sell paintings.
During 1990, the band started recording their début album, Industrial, with the main vocalist being Mark Clayden instead of JS, who contributed with backing vocals. The band later went on a small tour with bands like Napalm Death.
Their first few releases had a distinctive industrial sound where the influential gaze of Godflesh was abundantly apparent.
The simplified 808 style drum tracks and sluggish drone guitars evolved over the next decade to produce some of the most intense loop based crunching metal/punk riffs and hard floor dance rhythm sections.
Throughout their highly acclaimed career although often commercially overlooked, Pitchshifter were often heralded with founding the Electro Punk genre with JS Claydon's 'sex pistols' barrages on the current state of the UK, simplistic chord driven guitar lines and the inclusion of more and more elaborate sampling and synth based elements.
Similar to previous attempts at this meld of minds such as Pop Will Eat Itself (PWEI) Pitchshifter created an intense and dedicated fan-base who still work hard to promote the outfit.
Although the band officially ceased to be after releasing the album PSI, they have continued to reform for the occasional festival appearance or one-off event each of which is accompanied by one-off releases for ticket holders.
Since shutting down the PSI-political propaganda machine, members have gone on to work on various projects together and solo, including This is Menace, a super group comprising of members of Amen, Hundred Reasons, Funeral For a Friend and Earthone9.
Mark Claydon is now a regular tutor at the Brighton Institute of Modern Music (BIMM), and runs a regular advice column for bands just starting out in the UK-based Total Guitar magazine (available through Future Publishing).
2nd Hand
Pitchshifter Lyrics
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2nd hand point of view from the 2nd hand news.
2nd hand shirt with a 2nd hand tie,
and a 2nd hand reason from a 2nd hand lie.
2nd hand feelings from a 2nd hand need,
and 2nd hand sense of purpose from a 2nd hand greed.
2nd hand lives, 2nd hand pacified (buy now pay later).
The lyrics in Pitchshifter's song "2nd Hand" refer to the idea of living a life with secondhand experiences and possessions. The repetition of the phrase "2nd hand" emphasizes the theme of taking on the leftovers or discarded items of others, creating a sense of being stuck in a cycle of sameness and lacking in true authenticity.
The lyrics touch on items such as 2nd hand cars and shoes, which are physical representations of recycled consumer goods. The line "2nd hand point of view from the 2nd hand news" highlights the idea of consuming secondhand information from the media, potentially leading to a lack of individual thought and opinion. The 2nd hand shirt, tie, and reason from a 2nd hand lie references the idea of accepting falsehoods as truth due to their convenience or superficial appeal.
The song also references a "2nd hand feeling from a 2nd hand need" and "2nd hand sense of purpose from a 2nd hand greed," showing how the cycle of buying into secondhand experiences creates a lack of genuine emotion and motivation. Finally, the lyrics mention "2nd hand lives, 2nd hand pacified," and "discount train smash," implying that the consequences of a life based on secondhand experiences may ultimately lead to disappointment and destruction.
Line by Line Meaning
2nd hand car, 2nd hand shoes,
Referring to things that are not new and have been previously used or owned by someone else, a car and shoes have been acquired as second hand.
2nd hand point of view from the 2nd hand news.
Perspective or viewpoint derived from second-hand information and news that has already been presented and reported.
2nd hand shirt with a 2nd hand tie,
A shirt and tie are being worn, both of which have been purchased or obtained second-hand.
and a 2nd hand reason from a 2nd hand lie.
An explanation or justification given for something that is based on a previous deceit, fabrication, or falsehood.
2nd hand feelings from a 2nd hand need,
Emotions that result from a desire or necessity for something that was not originally yours, secondarily acquired either through donation or purchase.
and 2nd hand sense of purpose from a 2nd hand greed.
A motivation or drive that is based on a desire for something that was originally owned or acquired by others, and defines your direction in life.
2nd hand lives, 2nd hand pacified (buy now pay later).
A lifestyle that is passively driven by second-hand items, which are usually bought on credit that will be paid for in the future.
Stay fresh plane crash, discount train smash.
The contrast between success and failure, where a plane crash despite its fresher state is devastating, while a train crash with discounted tickets is less hurtful.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHNATHAN CARTER, JON S. CLAYDEN, MARK CLAYDEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind