Description
Head Candy – At The Controls – 7 Inch Purple Vinyl Record
Head Candy’s At the Controls is a significant single released in 1991 that exemplifies the early ’90s alternative rock sound. The band, hailing from Iowa City, Iowa, was part of the burgeoning alternative scene in the United States, drawing from influences like shoegaze, grunge, and college rock. At the Controls is their only single and serves as a snapshot of a specific moment in the evolution of alternative rock.
Head Candy was formed by singer and guitarist Michael Cervantes, along with guitarist Doug Roberson, bassist Jeff Kolisnyk, and drummer Jim Roth. The band emerged during a time when alternative rock was gaining mainstream attention, with bands like Nirvana, Sonic Youth, and My Bloody Valentine leading the way.
At the Controls was released on Link Records and distributed by Atlantic Records, which helped the album gain some exposure, though the band never quite broke through to mainstream success. The album reflects the indie ethos of the early ’90s, with a focus on guitar-driven songs, introspective lyrics, and a balance between melody and noise.
At the Controls blends several elements of the alternative rock sound that was popular at the time. The album is characterized by its layered, fuzzy guitars, which draw comparisons to the shoegaze genre, particularly bands like My Bloody Valentine and Ride. The guitar work is both melodic and textured, creating a wall of sound that’s central to the album’s atmosphere. Cervantes’ vocals are melodic yet understated, fitting the introspective and somewhat detached lyrical content. The vocal delivery complements the music’s dreamy, sometimes melancholic tone.
The single balances the heavier, grunge-influenced aspects of alternative rock with the more ethereal, reverb-soaked sounds of shoegaze. This combination gives At the Controls a unique place within the early ’90s alternative scene. The lyrics on the album tend to explore themes of personal introspection, alienation, and the complexities of relationships, all common themes in the alternative rock genre.
At the Controls didn’t achieve widespread commercial success, but it has since gained a cult following among fans of early ’90s alternative rock and shoegaze. The single is often appreciated for its authentic representation of the era’s indie rock sound, as well as its ability to merge different influences into a cohesive, compelling whole.
The single remains Head Candy’s most significant release, capturing the spirit of a time when alternative rock was still carving out its identity and gaining mainstream traction. At the Controls serves as a reminder of the depth and diversity within the alternative rock scene of the early 1990s.
For fans of the genre, At the Controls is a hidden gem that offers a deep dive into the rich textures and emotional depth that defined much of the music from that period. The album’s combination of grunge’s rawness and shoegaze’s dreaminess ensures its place as an intriguing and rewarding listen for those exploring the roots of modern alternative rock.
NEW, never played.
PURPLE Vinyl
1991 Link Records
Track Listing
At the controls
watching the sun’s trail
