Controller.Controller and the Darkness Lose Their Voices

Toronto’s post-punk purveyors Controller.Controller have announced that vocalist Nirmala Basnayake has left the band to pursue other interests. Over the last four years, the five-piece released two acclaimed records, 2004’s History and last year’s X-Amounts. The remaining band members are currently in a state of undetermined flux, while Basnayake has not revealed what her plans are. On a lesser note, the goblin faced Justin Hawkins has decided to hang up his lycra spandex and leave one-time sensations the Darkness. According to Hawkins, the drugs just got a little too crazy for him — he reportedly acquired a £1,000/week cocaine habit over the last three years — and has nothing to do with their second album tanking. He will continue to work on a solo album, while the remaining Darkness members will carry on.