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).
I Don't LIke It
Pitchshifter Lyrics
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And I don't care what you say, to die for/to buy for, it's all the same.
I don't care if it's new and improved' I said I don't like it.
I don't care if it's 'life-time guaranteed'
I don't care I said I don't like it.
Just get in line 'cause it won't be long.
No need to fight, misunderstood.
'Cause you're wrong, I'm right (and I knew you would).
The lyrics of Pitchshifter's song "I Don't Like It" are a commentary on the consumerist culture that has become so prevalent in modern society. The opening lines of the song suggest that the cycle of production and destruction, whether it be in the form of material goods or our own bodies, is something that has become normalised and accepted by society. It highlights how consumerism has stripped away any sense of authenticity in our lives.
The chorus of the song reiterates this sentiment and suggests that no matter what the product is or how it is marketed, it is all the same. It highlights how marketing campaigns and labels have made people feel like they need to buy things to fit in or be accepted. However, despite this pressure to conform, the singer of the song resists and declares that they simply don't like it. The repetition of this phrase emphasises how strong their conviction is.
The final lines of the song are a challenge to those who would attempt to argue against the singer's point of view. The line "because you're wrong, I'm right (and I knew you would)" suggests that the singer is fully aware of the futility of arguing with those who have bought into the consumerist mindset. It highlights the way that individuals who reject consumerism are often dismissed or ridiculed by the wider culture that has fully embraced it.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't care what you do, production/destruction, it's nothing new.
I am indifferent to your actions, whether you create or destroy, it is not a novel concept.
And I don't care what you say, to die for/to buy for, it's all the same.
Similarly, I disregard your words, whether they are worth dying for or buying, they are of equal insignificance.
I don't care if it's new and improved' I said I don't like it.
Even if it is advertised as being new and improved, I still do not find it pleasing.
I don't care if it's 'life-time guaranteed'
The offer of a lifetime guarantee does not affect my opinion.
I don't care I said I don't like it.
My dislike for it is unwavering regardless of any persuasion.
Just get in line 'cause it won't be long.
Do not waste time opposing me as the situation will soon come to a close.
Don't waste my time 'cause there's nothing wrong.
Your attempts to delay the inevitable are pointless as nothing is wrong with my decision.
No need to fight, misunderstood.
There is no reason to argue as you simply do not comprehend my viewpoint.
'Cause you're wrong, I'm right (and I knew you would).
Your disagreement stems from your error in judgement, while I am correct and predicted your opposition.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHNATHAN CARTER, JON S. CLAYDEN, MARK CLAYDEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind