I've resurrected this topic in the light of comments made by dongonz and JERO regarding Leipzig Conne Island 16.10.2019 - comments with which I have sympathy.
I don't have technical knowledge in this area. We all know autotune/autopitch was used on Roadworks 4, after the fact (and people have their views on that). What I am not clear on is the extent to which this sort of thing can be used live 'in the moment'. I understand that this is possible. I note speculation that this was done at the Rune Grammofon anniversary show (and that sounded pretty good to these ears). It seems to me like it has been done at other shows too.
There is certainly a difference in the accuracy of the vocals' pitching comparing some shows to others. There are possible explanations to do with the room's acoustics and the performer's condition on the night.
Bear with me - I am getting to the point.
Looking on YouTube at some recent performances in particular, I think this is something we shouldn't be pretending isn't an issue. I feel like I'm being kind of sacrilegious here. I love this band so much - the material, the performances, and, sometimes, the singing. I really want to spread the word to others. So many people are missing out on a band I know they would really get into in a big way, as we all have. The trouble is: out-of-tune vocals make it a really hard sell. Some people just aren't going to get past that and hear all the great stuff. As a result, far inferior bands, but with better (as in more in tune) singers get all the attention.
I totally understand that it's not all about being in tune. Of course you want sincerity, authenticity and passion - and Bent and Snah deliver that in spades. The likes of Nick Cave wouldn't get by if it was only about singing nicely. Nick Cave doing autotune? Well, I think that would be out of the question.
But, but, but... with our guys? I think there is a case for it - selectively.
Here's where I hope they might get to, having flirted with this stuff. When doing a weighty number with a lot of harmonising like The Crucible, switch it on. When doing something ballsy like You Lied, switch it off.
Can that be done? Surely it is possible.
Otherwise, particularly in the case of some of the more recent prog-inclined epics, all that effort and all that talent put into those pieces is going a little bit to waste when interested newcomers are hearing those YouTube live clips, and feeling that they can't get past the dissonance.
I don't know whether practical or financial reasons might prevent the adoption of this policy at every show, but I really believe it would be for the better. Purists who call this cheating might be another obstacle, but those who dislike the prospect just need to get their heads around the idea that it's OK for a voice to be treated; after all, it's legitimate for everything else in the mix to be treated. Personally, if it could be only on some songs - the right ones - I am definitely in favour.