The band formed in 2002. Their rhythmic post-punk style has been compared by critics to Joy Division, The Slits and Public Image Ltd.
Their debut Ep, History, was released on Paper Bag Records in 2004. The follow-up album, X-Amounts, was released October 11, 2005.
Singer Nirmala Basnayake left the band in late 2006.
Magnetic Strip
Controller.Controller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We're not moving yet - it's like ice in here.
Let's follow this magnetic strip.
Pressurized and relaxed, I'm so close to near.
I'm heading for you from the back. I'm so close to near.
Let's follow this magnetic strip.
We come together and pull apart.
Who said it was easy?
The lyrics of Controller.Controller's Magnetic Strip describe a sense of tension and anticipation, comparing the feeling to being in frozen or icy surroundings. The idea of a magnetic strip serves as a metaphorical guide, almost like a trail to follow, as the singer navigates towards their intended destination. The lines "pressurized and relaxed, I'm so close to near" suggest a sense of urgency coexisting with a desire to stay present and focused. The final lines "we come together and pull apart, who said it was easy?" capture the idea that relationships are complex and often involve conflicting emotions, yet ultimately remain significant and worthwhile.
This song also explores the tension between intimacy and distance, with the singer oscillating between a desire to be close to the other person and a sense of distance that keeps them at arm's length. The use of imagery, such as ice and magnetic strips, underscores this sense of push and pull, underscoring the idea that relationships can be both exhilarating and fraught with tension and uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
Stretched out and outstretched, it's like ice in here.
The situation is tense and uncomfortable, prolonging in a cold atmosphere.
We're not moving yet - it's like ice in here.
We're stagnant and hesitant, creating a chilly environment.
Let's follow this magnetic strip.
Let's go with the flow and trust our instincts to guide us.
Pressurized and relaxed, I'm so close to near.
Feeling both tense and at ease, I'm getting closer to my destination.
I'm heading for you from the back. I'm so close to near.
I'm approaching you from behind, getting closer to you.
We come together and pull apart.
Our relationship is a cycle of coming together and drifting apart.
Who said it was easy?
It's not easy, but it's worth the effort.
Contributed by Sophia E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.