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).
Stop Talking
Pitchshifter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Forget 'what it takes,' 'cause you can't keep us down
Exceptions aside, a favorite obsession
You're wasting your time if you don't make a sound
Keep making mistakes, deflecting the pressure
Stop talking so loud, I can hear what you're saying
Is what you're saying
A small price to pay to be the land of the free
Keep watching the skies, it's some kind of Escher
Stop talking so loud, I can hear what you're saying
Is what you're saying
Sometimes we all say stupid things among our sins
We're taking our time, not wasting a second
Stop talking so loud, I can hear what you're saying
Is what you're saying
The opening line of these lyrics from Pitchshifter's song "Stop Talking" invites reflection on one's life experiences and a desire to make the most of time. The lyrics emphasize the importance of being true to oneself and standing up to obstacles despite the pressure to conform. The line “forget 'what it takes,' 'cause you can't keep us down” is a reference to the idea that even when people are told what it takes to succeed, there are no guarantees they will actually do so, and therefore one must remain true to their own path regardless of the obstacles faced.
The song has political overtones as well, touching on themes of oppression and abuse. The line “a small price to pay to be the land of the free” speaks to the idea that the cost of freedom often includes the sacrifice of civil liberties, something that is becoming increasingly apparent in today's political climate. The lyrics also urge listeners to take responsibility for their actions and make their voices heard, warning the listener that if one does not make themselves heard, their opinions will go unheard and their contributions will be wasted.
Overall, the song's message is one of self-empowerment, urging listeners to take control of their lives and speak out against oppression while not wasting any time in doing so. The idea of not being afraid to make mistakes and learn as you go is also a prominent theme; rather than shying away from the pressure of society, Pitchshifter urges listeners to embrace it and thrive.
Line by Line Meaning
Reflecting my time, not wasting a second
I am mindful of the present and not letting time pass me by
Forget 'what it takes,' 'cause you can't keep us down
Don't focus on what's necessary to succeed, we won't be defeated
Exceptions aside, a favorite obsession
Despite considering exceptions, we still have a particular obsession
You're wasting your time if you don't make a sound
If you don't speak up, all your efforts will be in vain
Keep making mistakes, deflecting the pressure
Continue making mistakes and not giving in to pressure
Stop talking so loud, I can hear what you're saying
Speak softly, because I'm paying attention to your words
Is what you're saying
I'm acknowledging your words
Hold on for the ride, abuse and oppression
Endure the difficulties of life and the oppression we may face
A small price to pay to be the land of the free
Suffering is worth it to maintain our freedom
Keep watching the skies, it's some kind of Escher
Continuously be vigilant and alert, even if the situation seems impossible
Sometimes we all say stupid things among our sins
We're all guilty of saying foolish things at times
We're taking our time, not wasting a second
We're moving at our own pace, but not allowing time to slip away
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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