Thecontrollersphere
by Of Montreal
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. Delusions of Adequacy
    May 5, 2011
    70
    Thecontrollersphere is another thrilling addition to the Of Montreal catalog, but it's hardly a welcoming entry point for those unaccustomed to the depraved yet tantalizing world of Kevin Barnes. For longtime fans though, this EP represents another exhilarating turn from one of America's most singular musicians.
  2. Beats Per Minute
    May 3, 2011
    52
    As said, the songs benefit from being taken out of context and as much as that leads to just picking and choosing the moments worth going back for, the process of listening to the EP as a whole can almost be disheartening as much as it is unrewarding.
  3. Pitchfork
    May 3, 2011
    66
    "Holiday Call" and "Black Lion Massacre" aren't among Barnes' best songs, but they are bold and show that he's an artist who is eager to challenge himself rather than stick to what has become a very successful formula.
  5. Drowned In Sound
    Apr 28, 2011
    60
    Let's not pretend that an excellent lead track and a handful of perfectly agreeable additional songs is bad going for an odds'n'sonds EP. Still, in both its strengths and weaknesses, thecontrollorsphere is suggestive of a band in need of some renewal.
  6. AllMusic
    Apr 26, 2011
    50
    It's pretty much what you'd expect, which makes it both essential for Of Montreal devotees and nothing all that special.
  7. Consequence
    Apr 22, 2011
    60
    While more or less a collection of bastardized leftovers from the False Priest sessions, longtime fans should rejoice as the band finally rekindles their longtime relationship with unpredictability.
  8. Slant Magazine
    Apr 22, 2011
    70
    thecontrollersphere may be an album of toss-offs, but they're proud ones, earning that status by virtue of robust exploration rather than any real deficiency.
  9. Rolling Stone
    Apr 22, 2011
    60
    Few would argue that Of Montreal leader Kevin Barnes lost his freakiness in the feverish pursuit of soul-rock nirvana, but this five-track EP of outtakes from last year's False Priest nevertheless hedges his bets.
  10. Under The Radar
    Jun 8, 2011
    50
    Nothing here is must=-hear, but true fans will enjoy sorting through of Montreal's influences and musical thought process as they prepare for the next full-length album. [May 2011, p.85]
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User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. digitizdat
    Aug 24, 2012
    8
    Thecontrollersphere, like the album cover suggests, appropriately, is a heaving, swarming cauldron of sound with explorations into what soundsThecontrollersphere, like the album cover suggests, appropriately, is a heaving, swarming cauldron of sound with explorations into what sounds emerge when you follow of Montreal into wee hours. The lyrics flay psychic trauma and insecurity with a voice that is at once direct and at ease. Holiday Call reaches out to Middle Eastern influences. The riffs are characteristically catchy. Yes, it's an EP, but this effort is not even close to a rehashing of old material. It is a unique and exciting collection, and worthy of discovery.… Full Review »
  2. mattchumon
    Jun 23, 2011
    7
    This EP is like most EP's. The songs are leftovers from their full length that didn't quite make the cut or fit into the composition. If youThis EP is like most EP's. The songs are leftovers from their full length that didn't quite make the cut or fit into the composition. If you are already a fan of Of Montreal, you will love the songs, go buy the record. If not, go pick up a full length.… Full Review »
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