After six years focusing on various side projects, including Lali Puna, 13 & God, and the Tied & Tickled Trio, The Notwist has finally provided the follow-up to 2002’s critically acclaimed, universally loved Neon Golden. The quartet returns with the layered, idiosyncratic electronica that enabled their last release to be played repeatedly without becoming boring.
Twenty-plus-member avant-classical orchestra Andromeda Mega Express Orchestra appear on the record and work with The Notwist to compose songs like the single “Where in the World,” a contemplative, multi-faceted track that provides the darker tones of the album. The eleven tracks revolve loosely around a planetary theme with songs like “On Planet Off,” another of the few dark selections, “Gravity,” which features beautiful blending of seemingly disparate elements, and “Gloomy Planets,” a playful, soothing, acoustic interlude.
In some ways, The Devil, You + Me feels less like a new album than a continuation of Neon Golden. “Boneless,” by far the catchiest tune, “The Devil, You + Me,” and the last track, “Gone Gone Gone,” all have that same warm, summery, almost nostalgic feeling that colored their previous work. The exceptions are “Hands On Us,” a hip hop-influenced track with gorgeous orchestral overtones, and “Your Alphabet,” an urgent, compelling, dissonant composition of ambient loops.
The Devil, You + Me might not be the instant classic like Neon Golden was, simply because it’s so much like the record we’ve already spent six years listening to and loving. This release from The Notwist, however, will still be a good addition to your summer rotation.
– Kristena Ademo
The Notwist: www.notwist.com
Domino: www.dominorecordingco.us