Bavarian quartet the Notwist aren't exactly quick learners - this is their sixth album since 1990 and the first to cause any kind of critical excitement. Credit where it's due, however, since Neon Golden is easily their most fully-realised offering yet and a treat for all lovers of the burgeoning genre of alt.country. As with kindred spirits Lambchop and Wheat the mood here is gracefully melancholic, bolstered by the delicate, fragile voice of Markus Archer. The Notwist add a distinctive touch of their own, however, by juxtaposing synthesisers and other electronic effects with the more traditional instruments of banjo and mellotron. When it works it's sublime, but unfortunately Neon Golden slides into the mundane almost as often as the inspirational, making it more of a progression to greater things than a fully satisfying album in its own right. Same time in 2004, then.