Markus and Michael Acher formed the group together with Martin Messerschmidt in Weilheim, near Munich. In 1990 they recorded their self-titled debut The Notwist, a grunge-metal oriented LP. 1992 saw the release of Nook, which has an indie rock sound, while their 1995 album 12 contains their first flirtation with electronica. Martin Gretschmann (aka Console) joined the group in 1997. Shrink, released in 1998, is a jazz-electro-rock album. The album Neon Golden (released in 2002) put them on the map for American listeners.
In 2003 the band started their own record label Alien Transistor and released a soundtrack for the movie Lichter by Hans-Christian Schmid. On September, 6th 2004 the EP Solo Swim came out, a collaboration between The Notwist, Console and Klimek, which is also the soundtrack for the documentary Kanalschwimmer by Jörg Adolph. Both EPs are only available on vinyl as is the latest EP by Rayon (Markus Acher), released in spring 2006.
Some of The Notwist's songs have been remixed by Four Tet, Manitoba, Console, Loopspool, and others. Singer Markus Acher collaborated with Anticon rapper/producer Alias on the song Unseen Sights.
The Notwist recently formed a supergroup with Themselves named 13 & God, whose eponymous debut was released in 2005. Other acts in which members of The Notwist are participating include Village of Savoonga, Tied & Tickled Trio, Lali Puna, Ms. John Soda, Potawatomi, Alles wie Groß, Ogonjok, Rayon, 3 Shades of Blues, Hometrainer, Bolzplatz Heroes, Alien Ensemble, and Schweisser.
In 2006, Messerschmitt left the band on friendly terms. Markus Acher stated that "it just didn't work anymore".
The Devil, You + Me and was released in Europe in May, 2008. On June 17, 2008 the album was released in North America on Domino Records.
2014 saw the release of Close to the Glass released in the US on Sub-Pop.
http://www.notwist.com
Members
* Markus Acher - guitar, vocals
* Michael Acher - bass
* Mecki Messerschmidt - drums
* Martin Gretschmann (aka Console) - programming
07_the_notwist_-_one_with_the_freaks
The Notwist Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As you long for intuition
As you have to learn the lesson twice
You'll no longer be kissed and kind
As you long for intuition
As you have to say the password twice
Have you ever been all messed up?
Have you ever?
Have you ever?
Have you ever been all messed up?
Have you ever?
You're the pincard
You're the lifeguard
You're the information guy
But things look much bigger
On your knees
On your knees
Miss the signal
Miss the signpost
Miss the exits to it all
And all of a sudden
You were one with the freaks
Have you ever?
Have you ever been all messed up?
Have you ever?
Have you ever?
Have you ever been all messed up?
Have you ever?
The Notwist's "One with the Freaks" is a melancholic reflection on the toll that life can take on an individual. The repetition of the opening lines, "You'll no longer be kissed and kind, As you long for intuition, As you have to learn the lesson twice," create a sense of weariness and resignation. The singer seems to be warning someone who has experienced the hardships of life that they will no longer enjoy the same kindness and affection as before, as they must now prioritize intuition and understanding.
The following verses paint a picture of a person who may have held important positions in life, yet now finds themselves overwhelmed and insignificant. The lines "You're the pincard, You're the lifeguard, You're the information guy," suggest a person who may have worked in corporate or bureaucratic settings, with responsibilities that required attention to detail and a sense of control. However, the following lines "But things look much bigger, On your knees," highlights the vulnerability and powerlessness that this person now feels. The repeated refrain "Have you ever been all messed up?" emphasizes the universal nature of this experience, as everyone can relate to feeling lost and helpless.
The final lines "Miss the signal, Miss the signpost, Miss the exits to it all, And all of a sudden, You were one with the freaks" suggest that this person has reached a breaking point and no longer cares about following societal norms or expectations. They have become "one with the freaks," a euphemism for those who do not fit into conventional societal norms. These lines indicate a newfound sense of liberation, but also a sense of alienation from the rest of society, reflecting the complexity of this person's emotional journey.
Line by Line Meaning
You'll no longer be kissed and kind
You will no longer receive affection and kindness
As you long for intuition
As you yearn for understanding and insight
As you have to learn the lesson twice
As you must repeat the same mistake and learn the same lesson again
Have you ever?
Have you experienced this before?
Have you ever been all messed up?
Have you ever been extremely confused or disoriented?
You're the pincard
You are the means of access or authorization
You're the lifeguard
You are the one responsible for saving others from drowning
You're the information guy
You are the one who possesses knowledge and relays it to others
But things look much bigger on your knees
But problems and obstacles appear more daunting when you are feeling helpless
Miss the signal
Fail to detect the sign or indication
Miss the signpost
Fail to notice the direction or guidance
Miss the exits to it all
Fail to observe the opportunities to leave the situation or move on
And all of a sudden, you were one with the freaks
And suddenly, you find yourself among the odd or unconventional people
Contributed by Penelope B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.