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
Torture Day
The Notwist Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I celebrate you're in
I celebrate one day
Call it torture day
You celebrate with grace
You celebrate your face
You celebrate one day
Call it torture day
Cause I'm living here with you
The Notwist's song Torture Day features lyrics that could initially come across as disturbing, given the recurrent use of the word "torture". However, upon closer inspection, one could interpret them as a celebration of the human body and mind, particularly in the context of a relationship. The singer seems to be addressing a lover, whom they celebrate for simply being alive and being together with them. The line "I celebrate your skin" could be a reference to the physical attraction they feel for their partner, while "I celebrate you're in" could represent the appreciation for their presence and existence. In the same vein, "you celebrate with grace, you celebrate your face" could be seen as an ode to the beauty of their partner, both in terms of physical appearance and inner qualities.
The repeated use of the phrase "Call it torture day" seems to stem from the notion that love and relationships can be both blissful and painful, and that the latter can sometimes feel like torture. However, the singer contradicts this idea by stating "I won't be tortured away, cause I'm living here with you". This could be seen as a declaration of commitment and endurance, and a refusal to let the difficulties of life and love drive them apart. Overall, the lyrics of Torture Day suggest a deep appreciation for the human experience, both the pleasant and the painful aspects.
Line by Line Meaning
I celebrate your skin
I appreciate and take pleasure in every inch of your body.
I celebrate you're in
I appreciate having you in my life and the positive impact you have on it.
I celebrate one day
I look forward to this specific day and give it importance.
Call it torture day
I refer to this day as a form of self-punishment, even though I am celebrating something meaningful to me.
You celebrate with grace
You celebrate modestly and elegantly without drawing unwanted attention.
You celebrate your face
You appreciate and take pleasure in yourself inside-out, including both internal and external traits.
I won't be tortured away
I refuse to let this self-punishment take away from the joy and positivity in my life.
Cause I'm living here with you
Because I am experiencing life with you, your presence brings me comfort and happiness.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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