Why you should care: The Notwist have churned out a series of compelling full-lengths across two decades, but have yet to garner the type of acclaim or scrutiny afforded to their more popular contemporaries (like, for example, Radiohead). Which is a shame, considering how much solid work they have put in. Time will tell their true value, especially if they keep turning out brainteasers like this sonically ambitious effort.
Verdict: The Notwist's newest offering is a patchwork puzzle. The opener "Good Lies" boasts a downstrum that would have snuggled up nicely to similar guitar progressions from My Bloody Valentine, while the stripped-down soundtracking of "Where in This World" echoes the minimalist leanings of the Books. The strange folk of the title track barely manages to reach beyond a whisper, but sticks with you like a sweetly flavored nightmare. The cacophonous intro of "Gravity" steps aside for a steady pop rhythm whose tumbling tempo feels like it could careen out of control any minute. But it doesn't, as the band keeps everything calm and controlled for the effort's entirety, before closing out the proceedings with the lilting acoustic number "Gone, Gone, Gone."
X-Factor: The Notwist can't seem to sit still. Its members have collaborated with bands like Lali Puna, Console, Ms. John Soda, 13 & God and the Tied & Tickled Trio.
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