Album Review: The Notwist - Close To The Glass

The Notwist
Close To The Glass
Rating: Grrrr

German indie alternative/electronic act The Notwist seemed to have an identity crisis in the early going, moving from heavy metal to dark indie rock until settling in with what seemed to be the best fit, quirky electronic leaning alt-rock. Their classic electro-pop record Neon Golden is one of those records that you keep recommending to skeptical friends who all become devout devotees upon listening. What should have been the launching point for a storied career became rather a muddle, as acts like The Postal Service drew a more mainstream crowd, their slick mix devoid of the quirks that made Neon Golden such a find. The following up to Neon Golden, The Devil, You + Me, had its charms, but seemed to try to incorporate more guitar heavy compositions that alienated the fans of Neon Golden. Their latest record Close To The Glass, I am happy to report, is a return to the more electronic focused side of the bad, with a few detours into more guitar-centric areas. While it does not hit the sublime heights of Neon Golden, it is still a sold record that should return the band to brighter lights.

There are some new approaches here which are evident from the play of first single and title track "Close To The Glass," which is very percussion focused, combining harsh electronic beats with delicate woodwinds and samples.



First track "Signals" is a haunting synth-heavy glitch-fest, which again is one of the album's best moments where the electronic and the organic collide in perfect form, the skittering beats and electronics intertwine with strings in delicate precision.



But of course, Close To The Glass works its charms best when it revisits the gorgeous electro-pop the band perfected on Neon Golden. Organic percussion propels "Run Run Run" while blooping keyboards and jazzy woodwinds interplay while frontman Markus Acher's aching voice floats above it all in a netherworld;



swirling keyboards and strings punctuate the melancholy ballad "Into Another Tune," which rises quietly into a more hurried number with the addition of subtle percussion and a more dense mix;



and the charming pop track "Casino" is where Acher's quirky vocals works very well with the pastoral guitar work.

There are only a couple of points where The Notwist add tracks that, while not necessarily bad, just don't fit the mood of the record and stick out like sore thumbs. Power pop track "Kong" is a charming little guitar number but in the midst of all the swirling electronics feels odd. And the less said the better about droning, MBV-esque guitar screed "Seven Hour Drive" which is so jarring as to be antagonistic.

But these are minor quibbles when the rest of the album is so well put together. And The Notwist save the best for last with the final two tracks. Instrumental number "Lineri" is by far the most beautiful piece they have ever recorded. Soft guitar lines intertwine with each other over muted programming and subtle atmospherics. The guitar work here is particularly stunning, sounding like tears falling down a lover's face.



And "They Follow Me," reframes the guitar work from "Lineri" to close out the record, with a track that takes the beauty of Neon Golden's closer "Consequence" as a springboard and fashions another eloquent closer.

Close To The Glass is a brilliant return to form after the lackluster album The Devil, You + Me, and puts the band back on track from the momentum of Neon Golden. By focusing on their electronic strengths, but not forgetting their indie-rock bona fides altogether, they have crafted an excellent set of electro-pop leaning tracks that beguile and entrance you from first play to last.

Rating Scale:

Chilfos: masterpiece; coolest thing I've heard in ages.

Woof Daddy: excellent; just a hair away from being a masterpiece.

Grrrr: very good; will definitely be considered for my top releases of the year.

Yeah Daddy Make Me Want It: good; definitely invites further listens and piques one's interest for more material.

Meh: not horrible, but certainly not great; could have either been polished, trimmed, or re-thought.

Jeez Lady: what the hell happened? Just plain bad. They should hang their heads in shame and be forced to listen to Lady Gaga ad nauseam as penance.

Tragicistani: so bad, armed villagers with pitchforks and torches should run the artist out of the country for inflicting this abomination on the human race.