Way back in February, we covered Bromsen‘s excellent track “Someone,” noting its infectious ’80s pop vibes that transport you to an era of leg warmers, neon lights, and Duran Duran. With that in mind, I was thrilled when Papa Cougar asked me to delve into their full-length release, ‘Brothers in Mind.’ I’m pleased to report that the Berlin-based indietronic duo have exceeded my expectations. And then some!
The album highlights the duo’s longstanding musical collaboration. Richard and Karlo, who have known each other for over 20 years, performed together in the mid-2000s with their band, The Pampelmuse. After disbanding in 2006, they reignited their passion for music, giving birth to Bromsen. In this new guise, they offer a unique blend of synthwave elements and dynamic guitar riffs, creating a punchy wall of sound with raw vocals that compel you to groove and sing along.
‘Brothers in Mind‘ is a powerful and commanding offering that establishes Bromsen as one of the continent’s most enjoyableoutfits. The album features their previous singles, re-mixed and mastered, along with some fresh new highlights. The opening track “One by One” is quite an introduction. It sounds like The Human League facing off against Lady Gaga in a game of rock-paper-scissors while wearing acid-wash jeans.
“Merryman,” their debut single under the Bromsen name, is a high-energy synth-laden track that would make Kavinsky proud, complete with a solo worthy of any guitar hero. You can almost picture it soundtracking a car chase on a mislabelled VHS tape. “WE!” further demonstrates the duo’s ability to blend spirited synths and rock-forward guitars with seamless melodic qualities, turning the euphoria up to eleven, like overfilling the air in your Reebok Pumps.
“Always on the Right Side,” inspired by what Bromsen describe as mystical night walk in London‘s docks area, combines captivating lyrics and soaring guitars, creating a special atmosphere that would have been perfect for Top of the Pops forty years ago, yet sounds refreshingly modern today.
The aforementioned “Someone” remains a standout moment, featuring driving rhythms, catchy vocal melodies, and a guitar solo that mandates you headbang along like it’s 1985 and you are at your school disco. The following track, fittingly titled “No One,” continues the momentum with its biting guitars that feel like a nod to grunge, enhanced by hypnotic synths.
“Read About It” evokes the vibe of Depeche Mode tackling a hidden Kraftwerk gem, creating an atmosphere that slowly builds tension with each note, Meanwhile, “Catch,” a collaboration with Pixel Meth, explores the risks and rewards of a future shaped by AI, adding a dreamy quality to the mix, reminiscent of flipping through a choose-your-own-adventure book with a torchlight under your blanket. Up next, “Sweet Lies” maintains a slower pace, seamlessly mixing retro vibes with a modern edge. Think of it as if The Breakfast Club had a soundtrack produced by New Order.
“The Photograph” is yet another track we’d previously heard, but within the context of the album, it takes on a whole new life. A guitar solo that would make Matt Bellamy of Muse proud is my personal highlight. The album concludes with “More Time,” embracing genuine throwback charm with its distorted jangly guitars and exuberant synths. It provides as strong an ending as the album’s intro.
‘Brothers in Mind‘ is a thrilling journey that makes you sit up and take notice. Their ability to interweave synths and guitars keeps listeners engaged and anticipating what will come next, imagine the most intense session of Tetris.
Prost to Richard and Karlo – long may they continue to surprise and delight us!
‘Brothers in Mind‘ was released digitally on 16 February 2024 via Epictronic, with the physical release due on 27 July 2024.
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