The Notwist: The Devil, You + Me (Domino)
8/10


It's been six years since the German trio's 2002 masterpiece Neon Golden, and the indie/electronica act take its first steps away from that release without losing any of the subtly, tension or originality that made that record a crossover classic.

It begins with exceptional, and subdued, "Good Lies." A bright guitar line stabbing gently while the rhythm repeatedly knocks away. Markus Acher ponders, "I remember good lies, when, we carried them home with us. To our bedside tables and the coffee sets." He's calling out the simple truths, and failures, in relationships, and the mood fits the topic perfectly.

On the cheery (kind of) and simple "Gloomy Planets," Acher asks, "Why is everything so locked up?" The dreary vocals are set against a glimmer of hope -- and a few rhythmic elements add some much-needed flavor to the singers voice and lone acoustic guitar progression. But, overall, the track is a sunny one that works with its minimalism.

Along with "Good Lies," "Your Alphabet" is the best moment on the disc. The unnerving rhythm that's set against an eerie synth creates a tense feeling that The Notwist do better than any band out there. Guitars eventually come screeching into the mix, and the vibe gets even more horrifying; various instruments become power tools for a gruesome murder.

After a six-year break, the typical routine for some critics is to pick apart a band's effort -- assigning blame and dissatisfaction to the tracks that could have possibly been constructed better or sounded more like past favorites. But the Notwist's approach on The Devil, You + Me is a consistent listen that draws its own boundaries, yet never forgets to cross them now and again. The music continues to explore space and electronic tinkering without going into complete IDM mode, and never forgets the value a guitar can bring to a song. 



- Scott McDonald