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
Noah
The Notwist Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Will stay forever with you
Tell me what you taste
I know your buddy is sleeping
I know your buddy is sleeping
Sleeping
To stay forever with you
Tell me what it takes
I know your buddy is sleeping
I know your buddy is sleeping
Sleeping
With you
Jump off cause nothing lingers alone
Jump off forever
The Notwist's song "Noah" is a song that seems to be about the power of memories and experiences that stay with us forever. The opening lines "Tell me what you taste, will stay forever with you" suggest that there are some things that we experience that are so powerful that they stay with us for the rest of our lives. The repetition of the line "Tell me what you taste" further emphasizes this idea, as if the singer is asking for proof of this power.
The verse "I know your buddy is sleeping, sleeping" suggests a level of intimacy between the singer and the listener, perhaps hinting at a romantic relationship. The repetition of the line "I know your buddy is sleeping" seems almost like a lullaby, with the word "sleeping" being repeated like a soothing refrain. This creates a sense of comfort and safety, like the singer knows the listener's secrets and is watching over them, even as they sleep.
The chorus "Tell me what it takes, to stay forever with you" emphasizes the importance of these memories and experiences staying with us. The final line of the song "Jump off cause nothing lingers alone, jump off forever" seems to suggest that the only way to ensure that these experiences stay with us forever is to fully embrace them, even if that means taking a risk and jumping off a metaphorical cliff. Overall, "Noah" is a beautifully written and deeply introspective song that explores the idea of memories and experiences that stay with us forever.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell me what you taste
Share with me your experiences and sensations
Will stay forever with you
Your memories will never fade away
Tell me what you taste
Reinforcing the importance of sharing
I know your buddy is sleeping
I'm aware that your friend is resting
I know your buddy is sleeping
Repeated to emphasize the fact that the friend is asleep
Sleeping
Resting, disengaged from the current situation
Tell me what it takes
Share with me what is necessary to maintain our connection
To stay forever with you
In order to continue our relationship indefinitely
Tell me what it takes
Reiterating the need for communication and openness
I know your buddy is sleeping
Again stating awareness of the friend's state
I know your buddy is sleeping
Repeated for emphasis
Sleeping with you
The friend is in close proximity to the artist
Jump off cause nothing lingers alone
Take a risk and seize the moment because everything is fleeting
Jump off forever
Make a permanent decision to act boldly
Contributed by Samantha D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.