What makes Control Data by Mark Stewart notable?

Control Data is significant for its fusion of post-punk and electronic music, earning critical acclaim for its innovative sound. The album's exploration of themes like digitalization and societal control resonated during the rise of the internet, marking Stewart as a forward-thinking artist who influenced subsequent generations of musicians. Released in 1996, Control Data was Mark Stewart's first album in nearly a decade, following his influential work with The Pop Group. At this point in his career, Stewart had transitioned from the raw energy of post-punk to explore more complex electronic and industrial influences, reflecting both personal evolution and broader cultural shifts.

How many songs are on Control Data?

Control Data has 10 tracks, running approximately 59 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

Control Data

Mark Stewart · 1996

59 min · 10 tracks · post-punk

Experimental soundscapes intertwine with sharp political critique, forging a unique post-punk identity that challenges conventional musical boundaries.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Digital Justice — This track encapsulates the album's exploration of technology and power dynamics, blending aggressive beats with thought-provoking lyrics about surveillance and rights.
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Red Zone — With its unsettling rhythms and layered production, this track showcases Stewart's ability to create an atmosphere of tension while addressing themes of urban decay.
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Blood Money 2 — The closing track powerfully critiques capitalism through stark imagery and a haunting soundscape, making it a fitting conclusion to the album's thematic arc.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album's experimental approach and political themes create a distinctive listening experience that rewards exploration.

What we noticed

Tracks often feature abrupt transitions, with some pieces ending in dissonance or fading out unexpectedly, creating a sense of unpredictability.
Several tracks incorporate samples and loops that interact with Stewart's vocal delivery, emphasizing the political themes through rhythmic repetition.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Dream Kitchen 6:32
2 Forbidden Love 6:14
3 Red Zone 8:11
4 Scorpio 8:10
5 Consumed 4:31
6 Data Blast 1:00
7 Digital Justice 6:08
8 Simulacra 4:27
9 The Half 6:31
10 Blood Money 2 7:13

What to play next

Listen next

Kiss the Future

2005

Go back to

Metatron

1990

Full Mark Stewart discography Artists like Mark Stewart

post-punk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata