Genre/Influences: IDM, Electro-Ambient, Minimal-Electronics, Experimental.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: The Belgianduo of Cruise [Ctrl] has been active since 2006. Driven by John Cultiaux and “Gore”, they have already released productions on very different labels. This new opus is the first in four years and still the first one released on the French label M-Tronic.

Content: Cruise [Ctrl] remains faithful to their original influences; a pretty minimal composition built up with electronic treatments moving from IDM to Ambient passages to total Experimentalism. The main difference with the previous releases is maybe the accentuated Cinematographic approach at some tracks, but also a more explicit Minimal-Electro format. The global production sounds cold, sometimes mysterious and now and then danceable. The tracks are instrumental edits except “Juste” featuring spoken vocals by Alice Juste.

+ + + : Cruise [Ctrl] remains one of the best hidden secrets from Belgium. Well, it’s not that secret, but I never have understood why this duo is not more recognized. They’re composing a very unique sound, which already brought them to work with famous guests. This opus is a new exploration of creative Electronic fields. I like the band’s approach and their taste for minimalism. The tracks have been progressively built up, covering different influences and reaching a true apotheosis at songs like “Juste”, “Black Orb” and “The Fireman’s Hope”.

– – – : It’s a pity this artistic album is not available in a physical copy. I also regret the album only features 7 songs although this is the magic number of alchemists…

Conclusion: “It’s Happening Again” feels a bit like watching a surreal movie without images; you get the sound and have to imagine the story. It’s a fascinating experience made in Belgium!

Best songs: “Juste”, “Black Orb”, “The Fireman’s Hope”, “White Sands 45”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.cruisectrl.be / www.facebook.com/CRSCTRL

Label: www.m-tronic.com / www.facebook.com/mtroniclabel