Pinkshift: Britshift

PINKSHIFT: BRITSHIFT

22.08.2023 @ The Deaf Institute, Manchester (250 Capacity)

Written Sept 2023

Pinkshift, a rock band hailing from Baltimore originally started out as a way to pass the time in college as all 3 members were all studying at college together, but when they started to gain traction in the scene they ultimately decided to pursue music as a viable career. I've been a fan of the band since their first EP. My sister was (and still is) absolutely obsessed with the band and I caved when ‘Saccharine’ was released in 2021. Following that, they released their debut album ‘Love Me Forever’ in October 2022 which saw them shift from punk rock to a heavier mainstream rock feel, whilst still remaining true to their original sound. As a band made of 3 people of colour, it means so much to me, especially as the lead singer, Ashrita is non-binary and also from India. They’re raising the bar for what it means to be a rock band and I will applaud them always for it.

Similarly to Beth’s gig in Birmingham, I was able to gain access to the venue to watch the bands’ setup & watch soundcheck. Not only was I able to watch Pinkshift, but their opening bands too. One of which, Gender Crisis, was slightly heavier but they seemed like really nice people and had a really cool vibe - I’ll definitely keep an eye out. I sat right behind the sound desk, which meant that I could see the EQ curve when the technician placed high and low-end EQ on every instrument & see exactly what was going on. 

Troi Music & Gender Crisis opened for the band, making an amazing show even better. All 3 bands were spectacular and the vibe of the show as a whole was incredible. The crowd was really friendly and accommodating. So much so, my sister was able to come back from her spot at the front during pinkshift’s set, to the back (in the tiered seating) and drag me to the front for the remainder of the show leaving our bags too, without a single worry. 

After the gig, all three acts came out to talk with people & continue selling merch. Due to this, Ami was able to give the band a zine booklet she’s made for the band based on ‘Love Me Forever’ with a page for every song with newspaper clippings and doodles plastered all over the pages. We were also able to talk to Ashrita about their upcoming EP and how we've related to it - their most recent releases lead up to the ‘Suraksha’ EP, that’ll be released in October. The songs talk about grief and the pain & love that comes with it and as we’ve all gone through a similar process this last year. It hit us so hard that my sister and I were physically sobbing during ‘To me’ which focuses on the fact that grief & pain can bring people together just as much as love & joy, if not, more. It’s a beautiful song that matches the band's style really well.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, The Deaf Institute is my favourite venue, I’ve loved every show I’ve been to there (granted, this was only my 3rd) & to experience what goes on behind the scenes with one of my favourite bands was an absolute dream come true.