Vertigo Days - Live From Alien Research Center

Early in 2021, the Notwist released Vertigo Days, an album that had everything going for it except its timing. The equally heartfelt and ambitious mix of electronica, post-rock, and pop within its songs was ripe for reimagining on-stage in much the same way the band electrified their music with the improvisatory energy of 2016s live album Superheroes, Ghostvillains & Stuff, but the COVID-19 global pandemic made that difficult. Since the Notwist couldnt take their music on the road, they brought the concert experience to their studio in Weilheim, Germany, documenting the performance with a film and album. Just as Vertigo Days challenged what it meant to be in a band, Vertigo Days: Live from Alien Research Center creates its own category. Equal parts live album, jam session, and remixes, it brings a more intimate perspective to Vertigo Days songs even as it expands their boundaries. The live setting enhances the flow from the records sweetly confessional vignettes to its deeply contemplative passages. Theres an extra warmth and immediacy to the renditions of "Where You Find Me" and "Sans Soleil," both of which prove the Notwist are still as skilled at chiming, endearing pop as they were on Neon Goldens "Pick up the Phone," while the haunting performance of "Loose Ends" sends the album off on a swell of chromatic percussion. The studio version of Vertigo Days was so filled with collaborators that it may have been easy to miss the addition of the Notwists newest member, Theresa Loibl (to her credit, she blended in perfectly with the cosmic swirl of sounds surrounding her). On Vertigo Days: Live from Alien Research Center, shes unmistakable, contributing bass clarinet, harmonium, and keyboards on the epic performance of "Into the Ice Age," one of many moments where the groups jazz and Krautrock influences combine with irresistible momentum. When she and the rest of the band stretch out on a funky reworking of "Ship" (which still features the original vocals courtesy of Tenniscoats and Spirit Fests Saya) and "Exit Strategy to Myself," it doesnt matter that the Notwist arent playing to a packed room -- Vertigo Days: Live from Alien Research Centers energy is so infectious that its a triumphant testament to the bands need to share their music, no matter what. ~ Heather Phares