Neon Golden

by

The Notwist

Edit

Somehow this one slipped through the cracks. Normally I'd hop on this type of thing day one out of the blocks, even as an import. I'm glad I waited. The domestic release of NEON GOLDEN includes three additional cuts all at a very reasonable price. Enough of that though. I admit I'm not familiar with any previous Notwist material, but no matter. I read in one review about a reference to New Order, my all-time number one band. Another reviewer compared it to Radiohead's KID A but classically superior. Personally I hear elements of Sigur Ros and Interpol with a hint of Blue Nile to smooth it all out. And what does all that equate to? Well try alt-rock with the some hop-scotch electronica wrapped about these beautiful soaring melodies and you're kinda' getting close. The sum comes across as fresh, reverent, stately, original, complete, and endlessly satisfying. How many other albums do that for you? The opening cut, "One Step Inside Doesn't Mean You Understand" is completely that, throwing you off course of what is to come. Beware the beast though because next up "Pilot" and "Pick Up The Phone" throw you into their abyss sonic falling. No worry, you land solid by "Trashing Days". "Solitaire" is a nostalgic synth crop-crusher expelling you out the finished end all ready for the trip to market and retail shelving. Not to give it all away, "Neon Golden" is probably the lead cut as the album title dubious, not as to diminish the other gems. How these Krauts, who started playing metal over ten years ago, came up with the mother of cool is beyond me. If you get a copy you can start to understand. It's in the glory. Hug a brother and join the movement.

I picked up this album due to the increasing rage that this was the sleeper album of 2002. It is a well crafted album and fits well in the over-flowing "emo" genre. But, that is exactly it, too much emo too often. The songs are soft, melodic, angsty and subdued. There are some moments when the album gets going a bit (one with the freaks) but in the end offers the same soft, introspective and electronic hodge podge. Bands like Sigur Ros, the Flaming Lips, and Mum do it better and more musically. This certainly was not the best album of 2002. It is a satisfying listen, but nothing new. How much more "emo" can we take? I am sure that statement will elicit nothing but resentment, but I can't stand it anymore! If emo is your thing, this is your album, otherwise you have heard it all before.