The album ‘News from Planet Zombie’ by the Munich band The Notwist is a glitchy, electronic masterpiece that really meats all my expectations for moody indie-pop. While the title suggests something undead, the music is actually full of incredible energy. Tracks like “Object 11” and “Exit Strategy” have layers as complex as a well-stuffed casing, blending mechanical synths with a human touch that never feels hollow-ween. Then there’s “X-ray,” a track that really lets you see right through to the band’s skeleton, musically speaking, of course, it’s got a transparently cool vibe that’s frankly one of the best things I’ve heard all year. I’d tell you more, but I don’t want to brat about my good taste in music too much, as it’s just a sizzling addition to any playlist.
Speaking of things that are sizzling, I can’t listen to this album without my mind drifting over to The Vanguard near my apartment. It’s the ultimate wurst-case scenario in the best way possible. I’m usually there double-fisting a half-liter of Spaten beer and trying to decide if I’m in a Thaibreaker mood or if it’s a Currywurst and fries kind of afternoon. Sometimes the internal debate is so intense, I settle for the border patrol approach: one Chicago Dog and one Milwaukee Dog. It’s a buns-believable spot that really hits the mark. Between the glitchy beats of The Notwist and a pile of gourmet sausages, I’m basically living my best life.
If you made it through this whole review, I appreciate it, as I lost a bet and had to write the review with 5 or more puns in it. I love you all.
Links of interest:
https://www.instagram.com/the.notwist/
https://thenotwist.bandcamp.com/album/news-from-planet-zombie