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the NOTWIST:
Over the years German music
has been most widely acknowledged for the Krautrock genre. As of late,
there has been a new movement of German bands that are overturning these
preconceived ideas of what "German" music should sound like. Hence, the
Notwist. A progressive grouping of musicians dabbling in jazz and rock
structures, meshing elements of electronic and pop to create a sound that
is far beyond that of any other act today. A new connection is forged to
the almost forgotten past of cool, smoky jazz environs. Maintained nonetheless,
is the core essence of the Notwist's past. The effects are noticed all
over with the addition of sampler Martin Gretschmann, aka "Sound-o-naut".
The ease that he displays in adding his unique distortion and bubbling
sounds to the already fragmented Notwist-concept is remarkable. On occasion,
his rumblings surround and envelope the delicate Notwist structures, but
never to the point of added help. Slowly expanding, Shrink and Notwist-isms,
combine the previously non-reconcilable, creating a Pop/Jazz/Electronic
Rock unifier.
Shrink picks up where the
bands last release "12 " left off, trading in abrasive, angular driven
guitar rock for a melding of electronically altered sounds, complicated
by heavy pop and jazz undertones. Both "Day 7" and "Chemicals" are sonically
cut from the same groove, using innovative sampling, reminiscent of Stereolab-esque
synth loops (whose label Duophonic has released Shrink in the UK), and
strong percussive beats intricately laced with Marcus Acher's delicate
vocals. On the instrumental track "N.L.," the Notwist mesh brass and wind
arrangements with precisely timed guitar riffs, yielding a playful melody,
all the while moving back and forth between pop and jazz, mastering the
entire act with complete competence.
After the release of "12"
and months of touring, the band took time off to explore other projects,
a few of which include Village of Savoonga, Tied & Tickled Trio and
Console. Returning from their brief departures, the band reunited with
a broader musical sense. The result: Shrink. With Shrink, the Notwist have
collaborated and focused all their new exposure into one unprecedented
package.
Just as Talk Talk, (to which
the band pays inspirational homage), the Notwist possess the will to create
music which is singularly focused, finds solace in itself, yet exudes supreme
confidence without stumbling over itself. Shrink is the product of such
painstaking efforts, an album which stands on its own and is a testament
to its own time.
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