The band was formed in 1989 by The Acher brothers who lived near Munich. In the early days Notwist experimented with sounds ranging from death metal to dark indie rock, their music now incorporates electronic influences, adding yet another dimension to the overall sound. Despite being a band for over twenty years, the line up has changed very little throughout and this is credited for Notwist's ability to consistently deliver albums whilst also showcasing a developmental quality as they move through their career as a unit.
Their first album came in 1991 and was a self titled release. It didn't gain any commercial successes in terms of chart placement, but it was hailed critically after earning praise from the likes of AllMusic and Pitchfork who commented on the innovative qualities the band showcase by bringing together genres such as punk and electro and making them work. They have consistently released material since this LP, their discography currently stands at seven original albums, one live album and one soundtrack.
'Close to the Glass' was released in 2014 and once again won rave reviews from a number of esteemed publications. It currently holds a Metacritic score of 79/100 after receiving positive reviews from MusicOMH and AllMusic, the latter stating that: "the way they join the organic and the electronic, the cerebral and the emotional on Close to the Glass makes it the most thoroughly rewarding and enjoyable album of the Notwist's career to date."
Seeing The Notwist perform live on stage was a truly great experience. This band sings very comfortable, calm, and serene music that the audience really enjoyed. They create an atmosphere of peace and homeliness that is hard to convey; they are not very loud, and as a result, neither is the audience.
The atmosphere was smokey, like a fog, and made scarce use of very dim lighting. The venue was small and the people were packed in tight as a result, but that created a level of intimacy which was nice. There wasn't too much fan interaction, as this band is very focused and invested into their music and the playing of their instruments.
They sing very cerebral songs and that is reflected on their on-stage performance. The audience was respectful and quiet, but we enjoyed what we heard. For me, it was a largely pleasant experience that made me reflect upon the topics of their music, listen to the lyrics, and contemplate my own life in light of them. Perhaps it was the same for the others in the audience. Most people just stood there and soaked in the music, tapping their feet and humming.
It's a concert for people who don't necessarily need loud music and crowds to enjoy themselves and enjoy music.
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