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
Bored
The Notwist Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Got nothing to do
Sell ourselves and we look away
Got nothing to do
We are bored
Always bored
We are bored
We use to moon leave our neighbour
Got nothing to do
We make love and we turn away
Got nothing to say
We are bored
Always bored
We are bored
We're always bored
Don't ask for our feelings
Cause we've got nothing to say
Don't ask for our future
Cause we've got nothing to do
The Notwist's "Bored" is a song that lyrically delves into the concept of boredom and the feeling of stagnation that permeates one's life. The first stanza suggests the mundane nature of the physical and emotional connections people make with each other. The concept of "selling ourselves" could be interpreted as prostitution or simply the act of putting on a facade to be accepted by others. The line "we got nothing to do" serves to emphasize the idea that nothing substantial is being gained from these interactions.
Moving on to the chorus, it's easy to see that boredom is the main theme. The repetition of "always bored" solidifies the idea that this feeling is a constant presence for the song's speaker. Even moments of potentially filling time, such as "mooning" or sexual activity, ultimately serve as nothing more than a temporary distraction.
The last stanza makes it clear that the singer has no desire to discuss their emotional or intellectual state. The line "don't ask for our future" can be interpreted as a lack of hope or faith in the future, coupled with an inability to envision change.
Overall, "Bored" is a meditation on the idea that even the escape mechanisms we possess can ultimately become monotonous and unfulfilling due to a lack of direction or purpose.
Line by Line Meaning
We make love and take bodies
We engage in physical intimacy without feeling a deep connection
Got nothing to do
We lack purpose or direction in our lives
Sell ourselves and we look away
We compromise our values and ignore the consequences
Got nothing to do
We lack purpose or direction in our lives
We are bored
We lack stimulation or excitement
Always bored
Our persistent boredom defines our existence
We are bored
We lack stimulation or excitement
We're always bored
Our persistent boredom defines our existence
We use to moon leave our neighbour
We used to escape our mundane lives by seeking adventure elsewhere
Got nothing to do
We lack purpose or direction in our lives
We make love and we turn away
We engage in physical intimacy without feeling a deep connection
Got nothing to say
We lack the ability or desire to express our true feelings
We are bored
We lack stimulation or excitement
Always bored
Our persistent boredom defines our existence
We are bored
We lack stimulation or excitement
We're always bored
Our persistent boredom defines our existence
Don't ask for our feelings
We are unwilling or unable to share our emotions
Cause we've got nothing to say
We lack the ability or desire to express our true feelings
Don't ask for our future
We lack direction or ambition for our lives
Cause we've got nothing to do
We lack purpose or direction in our lives
Contributed by Austin A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.