The Notwist
Neon Golden

[City Slang; 2002]

by leg of lamb

Styles: electronica, indie rock, metal
Others: Autechre, Shantel, Oval, Sonic Youth

I feel the same way about Neon Golden as I do Mac computers. When flicking through random magazines and reading features on them, I am always impressed by their sleek new designs, not to mention their increasingly enviable user friendliness and overall quality. Whether you are a Mac hater or lover, Neon Golden is still a valuable asset to anyone’s collection, and perhaps one of the better releases of this year.

Martin Gretschmann’s marked influence on the band as official electronica whiz has seen them move in appeal from their early metal crowd to a bunch of long haired introspective indie kids with the weighty grandeur of Shrink. The hypnotic, pulsating rhythms that ebb and flow throughout its entirety may account for this following. Or, perhaps it could be the attraction of the Acher brothers’ complex dark pop. Many a time I’ve remarked that metal bands come out with the odd melodic track that surpasses any of their other material. For example, Black Sabbath and "Changes," which is truly awe inspiring and thankfully it appears that The Notwist have decided to stay on that high.

"Pick up the Phone" is the first single off the album. It’s like a signpost for everything else to come. Hazy wind instruments are the perfect backdrop to a veritable electronic feast of throbbing beats and rhythmic ticking. Markus Archer’s voice descends on it, honey drenched with heart rending sweetness. It feels like a saccharine, yet unfamiliar Japanese flower, lush in colour and texture with an almost mind numbing effect. "This Room" outshines the other tracks in pop excellence. A floaty and spacious exercise in deft keyboard tinkering complemented by pounding drums (courtesy of Martin Messerschimid). Rain-like riffs not unlike those of Tortoise are sprinkled lightly in a mesmerizing amalgamation of instruments. "Trashing Days" is possibly the most exciting piece of music I have heard in some time. Light saxophone drifts over soulful chorus lines and soothing loops of crackles, much like the old record player in Grandpa’s shed. Tapping sticks and unobtrusive percussion make for a somber yet intensely beautiful experience.

Admittedly the almost facile subject matter may not be as impressive, but somehow it gets lost in the beauty and expertness of production and playing. It’s more of a melancholy listening album than a sing-along "Happy Days" one. For the ten years that The Notwist have been together, their adventures in minimalist music have come to fruition. It’s a journey one should feel privileged taking, heightened in the form of Neon Golden. It will make you cry, make you feel introspective, or just make you want to play the banjo.

1. One Step Inside Doesn’t Mean You Don’t Understand
2. Pilot
3. Pick Up the Phone
4. Thrashing Days
5. This Room
6. Solitaire
7. One with the Freaks
8. Neon Golden
9. Off the Rail
10. Consequence.