Pitchshifter
Peel Sessions 1991-1993
Cold Spring
The BBC has been guilty of many crimes, but when it comes to their radio sessions, they can’t be faulted. The high technical specification of their Maida Vale studios meant that bands always came away with quality recordings that rivalled their own albums. It didn’t take long for Pitchshifter to capture the ear of legendary DJ John Peel who gave them the ultimate seal of approval with a much vaunted session. It’s no secret that the band were unhappy with the rudimentary sound of their debut album and their first Peel Session certainly rights a few wrongs. Picking right up where Godflesh’s Streetcleaner left off, ‘Gritter’ is a truly terrifying piece of music that resets the boundaries of what heavy music can be. Relentless and unremitting, it offers little respite; there are no slivers on sunlight to lighten the mood, just a sound that weighs upon the listener like a concrete overcoat…and thanks to John Peel it was broadcast straight into the nation’s homes! Fast forward two years and the band returned, this second session being a stepping stone towards their melodic, nu metal leanings. But if you want to experience the band at their blistering best, here’s your ticket.
Review by Peter Dennis.