thumb|Martin "Mecki" Messerschmid (1994)

The Notwist are a German indie rock band. Formed in 1989, the band moved through several musical incarnations, despite maintaining a relatively stable line-up. While their early records moved through heavy metal into dark indie rock, their recent efforts for which they have received the most attention have been strongly influenced by the electronica scene, along with other groups on the record label Morr Music.

History

The Acher brothers and Messerschmidt formed the group in 1989, in Weilheim in Oberbayern, in Weilheim, near Munich, from an earlier, more indie-folk version of the Notwist and the punk band Greatful Punishment. In 1990, they recorded their self-titled debut, 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 electronics. On June 17, 2008 the album was released in North America on Domino Records.

In 2009, the Notwist recorded Storm, the soundtrack to the film of the same name by director Hans-Christian Schmid. In late 2012 they began playing songs from a new album on tour. The album, Close to the Glass, was released on February 24, 2014 under Sub Pop Records.

In 2014, Martin Gretschmann left the group.

In January 2015, Close to the Glass was nominated for IMPALA's European Independent Album of the Year Award.

Musical style and influences

The Notwist's music has at different times been described as indie rock The band has cited such bands as Stereolab, My Bloody Valentine, the Pastels, Broadcast, and Sonic Youth as consistent influences on their music.

Collaborations and side projects

The group has been remixed by Four Tet, Caribou, Grizzly Bear, Console, Loopspool, Panda Bear and others. Singer Markus Acher also collaborated with Anticon and rapper/producer Alias on the song, "Unseen Sights". In 1991, Markus Acher founded Village of Savoonga, while Mecki Messerschmidt now also plays drums for the reformed Schweisser. Micha Acher composes and programs for Ms. John Soda.

Members

Current

  • Markus Acher — guitars, vocals, keyboards, turntables (1989–present)
  • Micha Acher — bass, keyboards (1989–present)
  • Andi Haberl — drums (2007–present)
  • Max Punktezahl of Saroos — guitar, keyboards (present)
  • Karl Ivar Refseth — vibraphone, percussion (present)
  • Cico Beck of Joasihno — guitar, keyboards, percussion, electronics (present)
  • Theresa Loibl - bass clarinet, harmonium, and keyboard (present)

Former

  • Martin Gretschmann (aka Console and Acid Pauli) — programming, keyboards (1997–2014)
  • Martin Messerschmid — drums (1989–2007)

Timeline

Discography

Studio albums

  • The Notwist (1991)
  • Nook (1992)
  • 12 (1995)
  • Shrink (1998)
  • Neon Golden (2002)
  • The Devil, You + Me (2008)
  • Sturm (soundtrack, 2009)
  • Close to the Glass (2014)
  • The Messier Objects (2015)
  • Vertigo Days (2021)
  • News from Planet Zombie (2026)

Live Album

  • Superheroes, Ghostvillains + Stuff (2016)
  • Vertigo Days - Live from the Alien Research Center (2023)

Singles and EPs

  • Johnny and Mary EP (1994)
  • Only in America EP (1996)
  • Untitled (Selections From 12) EP (1997)
  • "Day 7" single (1997)
  • "Chemicals" single (1998)
  • "Trashing Days" single (2001)
  • "Pilot" single (2001)
  • "Pick Up the Phone" single (2002)
  • "One With the Freaks" single (2002)
  • Untitled (Scoop) EP (2002)
  • Lichter EP (2003) (Soundtrack for the film Distant Lights (Lichter))
  • Different Cars and Trains EP (2003)
  • Solo Swim EP (2004)
  • "Where in this World" single (2008)
  • "Boneless" single (2008)
  • "Come In" single (2009)
  • "Blank Air" single (2010)
  • "Kong" single (2014)

References