Released: 28/01/22
THE NOTWIST, formed in 1989, then consisting of Martin Messerschmidt, and brothers Micha and Markus Acher - released their self-titled debut album on Subway Records a good thirty years ago, a unique tightrope walk between melodic independent, metallic rock and explosive hardcore parts. The thirteen noisy songs only hinted at the beginning of a career that is as great as it is unusual and diverse: "A pretty heavy punk/hardcore/metal mix for long stretches, an early Notwist anthem nevertheless emerges at the end of the record: "Nothing Like You"." (laut.de)
The first step was taken, but probably no one thought of Top 10 & feuilleton at that time: "Hello! Laugh and sing, dance and jump...GROOOOOARRRR! It's notwist but my twist! YES SIR!", written on the side fold of the LP: "...this record features a good helping of double bass drum action, consistent cymbal abuse, guitar fret squealing and wheedling, lots of chords chug-chug-chugging, and even a few spots where Markus Acher (he of the laconic Teutonic vocalizing) actually essays a few disgruntled ur-screamo barks." (pitchfork.com) - - "I was a fan of yours when your music was still called Neil Young Hardcore. (...) Metallica riffs, with Dinosaur Jr vocals in English with a Bavarian accent - it's genius." (Thees Uhlmann 2021)"