Close to the Glass
The Notwist · 2014
47 min · 12 tracks · indie pop
An intricate blend of electronic textures and indie pop melodies that evokes a sense of introspection and emotional depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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Close to the Glass — This title track encapsulates the album's themes of reflection and uncertainty through its layered instrumentation and evocative lyrics.
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Kong — With its driving rhythm and compelling hooks, this track exemplifies the band's ability to merge electronic elements with catchy melodies.
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Lineri — Spanning nearly nine minutes, this expansive track showcases The Notwist's ambition, blending ambient soundscapes with lyrical introspection, creating a meditative experience.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends electronic and indie pop elements effectively, creating a distinct yet cohesive sound.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature layered electronic beats and synths, establishing a rhythmic foundation before introducing more organic instrumentation.
- Several songs incorporate spoken word elements, blending vocals with ambient soundscapes to create an introspective atmosphere.
- The album closes with a gradual fade-out on the final track, leaving a lingering sense of unresolved tension.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic flow with emotional peaks
- kaleidoscopic textures for exploration
- melancholic melodies for introspection
- engaging narrative across tracks
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2014, Close to the Glass marked The Notwist's return after a seven-year hiatus following their acclaimed album, The Devil, You + Me. This album showcased their evolution towards a more electronic sound while retaining their signature melodic sensibilities. It was a pivotal moment that reaffirmed their place in the indie music scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lali Puna· M83· The Radio Dept.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Signals
The narrative shifts from observation to self-reflection, revealing vulnerabilities intertwined with external stimuli.
This shift in focus deepens the emotional landscape of the song, contrasting personal introspection against broader experiences.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Signals 3:40
- 2 Close to the Glass 2:58
- 3 Kong 4:31
- 4 Into Another Tune 3:57
- 5 Casino 3:15
- 6 From One Wrong Place to the Next 2:45
- 7 7-Hour-Drive 3:58
- 8 The Fifth Quarter of the Globe 0:49
- 9 Run Run Run 5:05
- 10 Steppin’ In 2:01
- 11 Lineri 8:53
- 12 They Follow Me 5:40
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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