Successful marriages of guitar pop and electronica don't happen all thatoften. Granted, there are exceptions, going all the way back to early BrianEno right up through David Sylvian, Stereolab, Laika, Goldfrapp, Appliance,and Denali. But, sadly, the list is short, given the amount of flirting that'sgone on between the realms. Sadly, few ever demonstrate the commitment to bothpop songcraft and electron wrangling needed to even reach first base, let aloneconsummate. With nearly a decade of hard work and dogged experimentation behindthem, The Notwist have forged a near-perfect union between the two worlds. OnNeon Golden, they weave guitars, reeds, all kinds of inspired electronics,and hauntingly tender vocals into seamless pop epiphanies that bring to mindthe most endearing qualities of Nick Drake, the Velvet Underground, and Mouseon Mars—simultaneously. And, as with most model marriages, they make itall seem so effortless.