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
Gloomy Planets
The Notwist Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Newspapers shoot their letters at me
I'm alone at last with every other me
Guardian help me, angel shoot
All you ghosts stand by and salute
And explain:
Why is everything so locked up?
Lake is empty, lake is full
People say it's a push and pull
I know I did the wrong mistake again.
Guardian help me, angel shoot
All you ghosts stand by and salute
And explain:
Why is everything so locked up?
I don't blame it on the front row
Don't blame it on them ruin glass
Don't blame it on the signal
Don't blame it on the steering wheel
Don't blame it on the logbooks
'Cause I know they stray
Like all the cars in NY
Like all the lights on New Year
Like all these gloomy planets
You know they stay
Anyway.
The lyrics to The Notwist's song Gloomy Planets are enigmatic and open to multiple interpretations, but some overarching themes emerge. The song seems to be about feeling isolated and alone in a world that is indifferent and chaotic. The singer invokes a cast of mysterious entities, from an "idiot job" to a "guardian" and an "angel," as well as "ghosts" who stand by and "salute." The repeated refrain, "Why is everything so locked up?" suggests a frustration with barriers and restrictions that hinder connection and understanding.
The second verse adds another layer to the song's meaning, as the singer reflects on making a "wrong mistake again" and feeling powerless to change the course of events. The refrain is repeated in the same melancholy tone, as if seeking answers to a question that seems unanswerable. The final stanza offers a glimmer of hope amidst the gloom, as the singer suggests that even though everything may stray and drift apart, they "stay" in some way. This could be interpreted as a meditation on the interconnectedness of all things, or a reminder that nothing is truly lost forever.
Overall, Gloomy Planets is a haunting and beautifully crafted song that invites reflection and introspection. It captures the feeling of being adrift in a world that is simultaneously vast and claustrophobic, and raises questions that are both universal and deeply personal.
Line by Line Meaning
Idiot job 203
I have a meaningless job with no satisfaction or sense of accomplishment.
Newspapers shoot their letters at me
I feel bombarded by negative news and unwanted messages.
I'm alone at last with every other me
Despite being surrounded by people, I feel disconnected and isolated.
Guardian help me, angel shoot
I am pleading for guidance and support from a higher power to help me through my struggles.
All you ghosts stand by and salute
I feel haunted by my past mistakes and failures, but I must acknowledge and learn from them.
Why is everything so locked up?
I feel trapped and unable to escape the negative aspects of my life.
Lake is empty, lake is full
Life is unpredictable and constantly changing, with moments of emptiness and fullness.
People say it's a push and pull
Life is a constant struggle between opposing forces, like a tug of war.
I know I did the wrong mistake again.
I am aware of my repeated errors and feel regret and self-blame.
Don't blame it on the front row
I am not blaming external factors or other people for my problems.
Don't blame it on them ruin glass
I am not blaming the negative effects of alcohol or drugs for my problems.
Don't blame it on the signal
I am not blaming external cues or influences for my problems.
Don't blame it on the steering wheel
I am not blaming my lack of control or direction for my problems.
Don't blame it on the logbooks
I am not blaming paperwork or documentation for my problems.
'Cause I know they stray
I recognize that everything can go astray or deviate from the intended path.
Like all the cars in NY
The chaos and disorder of a city like New York represents the unpredictable and uncontrollable nature of life.
Like all the lights on New Year
The fleeting brightness and excitement of New Year's celebrations symbolize the transience of happiness and good fortune.
Like all these gloomy planets
The melancholic, dreary planets represent the suffering and hardships of life that cannot be avoided.
You know they stay
These challenges and difficulties of life are a constant presence that must be faced and overcome.
Anyway.
Despite the struggles of life, I must continue on and face whatever comes my way with resilience and perseverance.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: MARKUS ACHER, MARTIN GRETSCHMANN, MICHAEL ANTON ACHER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
YourMotherKills
Wow this is impressive! I've only heard their hardcore punk album from them and when I listen to this it's amazing on how they transitioned into what they are today. Very big transition! Such creativity and imagination! Love it!
Oliver Darling
this song is one of the most powerful songs i've ever heard. every single time i hear it, it puts the same emotions in me that it did the first time i ever heard it. one day, i'd like to be half, no, just a quarter the musician that each of these guys is. definitely one of the most inspiring bands out there right now. i wish more people would listen to music like this.
Ströizer Playlist
A primeira vez que eu ouvi essa musica foi na casa do meu melhor amigo Daniel a 13 anos atras. Na epoca nos estavamos procurando por bandas indie, eu sempre quis ter uma banda. Nos eramos criancas, ingenuos, bobos e divertidos. Eu lembro desse dia com detalhes minunciosos, ate de como ele pegava na guitarra e sempre fazia o mesmo Riff. Passados 13 anos, as coisas mudaram um pouco, O daniel teve uma filha recentemente, nos somos adultos e precisamos se virar com nossas responsabilidades. Mas algumas lembranas sao tao singelas na nossa vida que sempre vamos lembrar como e bom viver as coisas pela primeira vez, como quando nos eramos criancas a 13 anos atras.
RWL de Bruijn
So symbolic and fitting for the times we live in.
Twin Fires
I WAS THERE!!!!! it's so great to see this video, brings back all those memories of one of the most exciting concerts I've ever seen.. danke
Your Nightmare
Unbelievable.. It´s almost 12 years ago.. Time is flying !
Hyperion1040
A moment of ultimate music happiness. Pure joy.
glimps
does anyone know the chords/tab of this song? it's so beautiful.
АБОРИГЕН
Обажаю нотвист👏
Noisy Cosmos
Spectacular, wonderful!