The Notwist - News from Planet Zombie (Vinyl)

For News from Planet Zombie, the core trio of Markus and Micha Acher and Cico Beck embraced the plural possibilities of writing together, bringing songs to the collective and then arranging, rehearsing and recording that material live, in the studio. The result is an album that's energized, fully in "the now", with spectacular moments where you can hear the magic bubbling up in the dynamic between the Achers, Beck, and fellow members Theresa Loibl, Max Punktezahl, Karl Ivar Refseth, and Andi Haberl. The openness to chance also takes in guest turns from friends both local and international, reflective of a cosmopolitan Munich: Enid Valu joins in on vocals, while Haruka Yoshizawa guests on taishōgoto and harmonium, Tianping Christoph Xiao on clarinet, and Mathias Götz on trombone. The Notwist aren't best known for cover versions, but News from Planet Zombie features two: a gorgeous version of Neil Young's "Red Sun" (from 2000's Silver & Gold), and a take on Athens, Georgia folk-pop gang Lovers' "How the Story Ends." They slot into the album's narrative perfectly, nestling in like old friends, revealing The Notwist as poetic interpreters.