Controller.Controller
Date: September 10, 2005 What We're In For Controller.Controller have been generous to Ottawa, with a September stop at Zaphod's marking their seventh concert in the capital in the past year and a half. After having twice caught the band open for Death From Above 1979, this was my first opportunity to see them as headliners. Despite the relatively short set, this was definitely my favourite concert to date from the group. With only a six-song EP, History, as the band's recorded output, the bulk of the set was drawn from their upcoming release, X-Amounts. As with the last time that I saw the band, their fierce playing was enough to win over the crowd on the unfamiliar songs. With a much crisper sound for this headlining set, though, it was easier to appreciate the songs themselves, as well as the playing. The sonic quality and high energy level were needed from the very start of the show, as Contoller.Controller took the stage without the benefit of an opening act, due to some unknown mix-up. Fortunately, they hit their mark immediately and maintained that high standard throughout a brief but fast-paced set. With drummer Jeff Scheven ailing, the band was assisted by Jon Drew of Uncut. Apart from an explanation from singer Nirmala Basnayake and the fact that "Uncut" was written across the bass drum, I doubt that few in the crowd would have noticed the switch. The rhythm section of Drew and bassist Ronnie Morris propelled the music without a hitch, with Colwyn Llewellyn-Thomas and Scott Kaija punctuating the songs with loud, harsh guitar work. The clash of dancy grooves and heavier elements works very well live, with Basnayake's singing merging the two. Without having heard the upcoming album, it's difficult to name individual highlights of the set. When older songs "History" and "Silent Seven" were dropped in sequence, they went over well; but I have to say that I enjoyed the new songs at least as much. In fact, perhaps the best moment of the night came when Morris hopped off of the stage during one of those new songs, playing amidst the audience. The concert wrapped up with another pick from History, "Disco Blackout," which had the band and crowd hopping. Given a better opportunity to showcase their songs, Controller.Controller came through with the best set that I have seen them deliver, leaving me eager to hear the new album and to witness the band in action again. Considering their impressive touring pace, both opportunities should hopefully come soon.
<--Prev (Magnolia Electric Co.) | Next (Brother Ali and BK One)-->Return to Concert ListReturn to Main Page |