What does Controlling Crowds sound like?

An expansive blend of orchestral soundscapes and pulsating beats that intertwine melancholy and explosive energy. Rooted in alternative rock and progressive rock. Start with "Controlling Crowds".

Is Controlling Crowds a good place to start with Archive?

Yes, Controlling Crowds is recommended as a starting point for new Archive listeners. An expansive blend of orchestral soundscapes and pulsating beats that intertwine melancholy and explosive energy. By the time 'Controlling Crowds' was released in 2009, Archive had established themselves with a unique sound, having gained attention with their breakthrough album 'You All Look the Same to Me' in 2002. This album marked their fifth studio release, showcasing a maturation in their sonic palette while continuing to explore complex themes.

Who is Controlling Crowds for?

Controlling Crowds works well if you're into dynamic journey with emotional resolution, wave-like pacing for deep listening and haunting melodies for introspective moments.

How many songs are on Controlling Crowds?

Controlling Crowds has 13 tracks, running approximately 78 minutes.

Controlling Crowds

Archive · 2009

78 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

An expansive blend of orchestral soundscapes and pulsating beats that intertwine melancholy and explosive energy.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Controlling Crowds Start here — The title track encapsulates the album’s exploration of societal themes through an elongated structure, blending haunting vocals with dynamic instrumentation that sets the tone for the entire project.
→
Bullets — This track combines trip-hop rhythms with poignant lyrics about conflict, highlighting Archive's ability to create emotionally charged narratives within their music.
→
Chaos — Serving as a climactic moment on the album, this track juxtaposes serene melodies with escalating tension, exemplifying Archive's talent for building atmosphere and emotional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The album features dynamic contrasts and an ambitious structure that rewards repeat listening.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features layered orchestral strings and a gradual build-up of electronic elements, setting a dramatic tone.
Several tracks, such as 'Bullets' and 'Words on Signs', alternate between soft, introspective verses and explosive choruses, creating dynamic contrasts.
The final track, 'Funeral', concludes the album with a slow tempo and a haunting atmosphere, providing a sense of closure to the preceding intensity.

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

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic journey with emotional resolution
wave-like pacing for deep listening
haunting melodies for introspective moments
engaging soundscapes for focused sessions

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek standalone singles only

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Received critical acclaim and solidified Archive's place in alternative rock.
Themes: societal control· emotional conflict
Career context: By the time 'Controlling Crowds' was released in 2009, Archive had established themselves with a unique sound, having gained attention with their breakthrough album 'You All Look the Same to Me' in 2002. This album marked their fifth studio release, showcasing a maturation in their sonic palette while continuing to explore complex themes.
Stylistic neighbors: Massive Attack· Portishead· Radiohead

New to Archive? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Whore

A striking confrontation of societal expectations unfolds as the protagonist addresses an unnamed figure directly, exposing vulnerability amidst harsh realitie…

This direct address contrasts with the more abstract themes prevalent elsewhere on the album, bringing an intimate perspective that heightens the emotional stakes.