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
They Follow Me
The Notwist Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I couldn't help myself but run away
Those hands ruin everything
But I'm afraid of no one else
Hands, your hands on my face again
And I can't help myself but go astray
These hands, they soothe everything
All the wrong things I can do
Call on me when I'm without you
All the wrong things I can do
Follow me when I'm without you
The Notwist’s song “They Follow Me” is a lyrical expression of a love that is both addictive and destructive. The repetition of “hands on a face again” highlights the lovers’ cycle of conflict and reconciliation. The hands symbolize both danger and comfort, perhaps representing the opposing forces of passion and stability. The singer confesses to being unable to resist the lure of his partner’s hands, even though they have caused him trouble in the past. He acknowledges his fear of being with anyone else, implying that he is willing to suffer for the sake of their intense connection.
The chorus (“All the wrong things I can do, follow me when I’m without you”) reveals the singer’s awareness of his own weakness and addiction. He implies that he is powerless without his lover and that he is likely to make poor choices in her absence. This line speaks to the idea that some people can bring out the best in us, while others can bring out the worst.
The ultimate message of the song is one of surrender. The title “They Follow Me” suggests that the singer is being pursued by his intense emotions, and that he is resigned to being caught by them. The song is a testament to the power of human connection, both for good and for ill.
Line by Line Meaning
Hands, hands on a face again
Being touched or held by someone again, presumably in a harmful or negative way
I couldn't help myself but run away
Feeling an instinctive need to escape from the situation or person causing harm
Those hands ruin everything
Acknowledging that these hands are destructive and cause damage to everything they touch
But I'm afraid of no one else
Despite the fear caused by these hands, there is no fear of anyone else or anything outside of this situation
Hands, your hands on my face again
Being touched or held by someone again, perhaps someone close or known to the individual
And I can't help myself but go astray
Feeling drawn towards this person or situation even though it may not be the best decision
These hands, they soothe everything
Realizing that these hands are comforting and have a soothing effect on the individual
And I'm not afraid of nothing else
Having a sense of security and trust in these hands, there is no fear of anything else outside of this situation
All the wrong things I can do
Recognizing that there are many mistakes or bad decisions that can be made
Call on me when I'm without you
Requesting help or support during the times when this person or situation is not present
Follow me when I'm without you
The negative consequences or mistakes still follow the individual even when this person or situation is not present
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Markus Acher
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Joana Kompa
The 'German Radiohead', just make a beautiful noise :) Love these guys, experimental and close to the heart
S P O I L T
Laura, you've got great taste in music, Thanks for uploading.
Andrew Wells
Thanks for sharing a glimpse of the record... this is the most interesting of the three tracks I've heard so far...
noelia arcondo
i just heard this song a couple of weeks ago, and i fell in love inmediatly, i dont know where this was hide, but im happy and complete now💞
Electric Cervix
Love the strings at 4:25
Veganwarrior77
Electric Cervix 😳
Haikoon
favourite song on the record
Veganwarrior77
ArvidFalk86 yessss
J. F. I.
Your voice sounds like John Lennon's...The music a little like The Flying Lizzards...🎧