CTRLer "This Is Hardcore" (INV042)

MORE INFO

GOTHTRONIC

I personally prefer projects who obstinately do their own thing. Just because of this drive they make sure that the music is often very innovative. In case of Crtl-er this album presents a nice mix of breakcore, drum and bass and in some songs an obvious sound of electric guitars which give some metal-like influences..
Just because of this diversity, the music on this album can be listened to by a significant crowd. Granting that you must get used to the sound by listening it a few times, it gives enough stuff to enjoy. Because this broadly influenced music is very innovative it can be listened to by a great variety of listeners . When I listened the first song on this album for the first time, I had my thoughts whether the album would be at its right place with me to review it. But after listening to the rest of the album, and when i got into it more thoroughly, I can say the album is inspiring to me.
This is one of the best albums I heard lately. I certainly consider nominating this as one of my favorites this year. An album with a good sound with a sense of humour in it. An example for that is “the A team” which is a humouristic remake of the title song from the the television serie the A team. A lot of songs gave me a smile on my face. Given a closer listen to “Beautiful” where you can hear Marilyn Manson having a role in it. It sure doesn’t sound like Marilyn Manson. I provoke the critical listener to hear the artistic sound of this music.
Ctrl-er used al lot of samples from other bands to produce this album. I can’t determine them all but I’m excited because of the way it is done. This album even includes a remake of the song “Cretin hop”, originally produced by The Ramones.
I can say many things about this album. I can say a lot about every song on it. But to keep it short, I want to say that if you like an eccentric sound you really can't miss this album. (8.5)

by Medelinael for Gothtronic

ORKUS MAGAZINE

Breakbeat-Orgien, Drum'n'Bass-Obsessionen, und mittendrin die hemmungslose Ausbeutung bekannter Passagen aus Musik und Fernsehen. Der Madrilene CTRLer laesst auf seinem dritten Album erneut eine Hardcore-Ekstase vom Stapel und bedient sich ungeniert bei zum Beispiel der Titelmelodie vom A-Team, klaut unter anderem bei Ministry, Marilyn Manson, Tool oder Fear Factory und experimentiert sich fast zu Tode in seinem Wahn, das kaputteste Breakcore-Machwerk der Geschichte zu veranstalten. Er legt hierbei – im Gegensatz zu Gesinnungsgenosse Bong-Ra, welcher einen Remix beisteuerte – offensichtlicheren Wert auf seine elektronischen Irrwitzigkeiten; die Samples dienen nur als tiefere Basis respektive warmherziges Beiwerk, sodass eine gelungene Mischung entstanden ist, die jedoch ausschliesslich harten Gemuetern empfohlen sei – der Titel ist definitiv Programm! (9)

by Thomas Sonder for Orkus

SIDE-LINE

The 3rd album of this Spanish sonic terrorist invites the listener to join a pure industrial hardcore domain. The sound is merciless, but quite diversified through its numerous samplings (from bands like M. Manson, Tool, Fear Factory) and some funny cover versions like the theme of “The A Team” or “Cretin Hop” from The Ramones. Musically speaking CTRLer seems to have found the way in between pure industrial and d’n’b. Both styles have been mixed with each other, creating a strong and devastating sonic cocktail. A few vocals bring some diversity to the concept. My favourite cut remains one of the softest pieces of the album entitled “Flesh”. At the end of the album we also get 3 remixes and among them one of their great compatriots of Proyecto Mirage. CTRLer is back, reinforcing the name and popularity of their hard sound. I personally like some of the d’n’b parts in their work, but it’s a bit too hardcore-flavoured to my taste!

by DP for Side-Line

AD NOISEAM

You'll have to admit, CTRLer's "This is hardcore" is more on the spot than Pulp's. For his third album, Madrid's digital hardcore madman (and occasional AZ-Rotator collaborator) CTRLer goes all metal on us, and rushes through the doors prayed open by the likes of Bong-Ra or Drumcorps. High-speed, high-energy breakcore and guitar riffs get combined together, and some very catchy hardcore beats are thrown in the mix, resulting in quite an addictive, light-minded but heavy sounding (and well produced) album. Very recommended, and not only to headbangers.

by Nicolas Chevreux for Ad Noiseam