Bromsen drops debut album ‘Brothers in Mind’

Berlin-based duo Bromsen, consisting of Richard and Karlo Bromsen, have made a significant mark in the indie music scene with their fusion of synthwave elements and indie rock energy. Despite the Bromsen moniker being relatively new, the duo’s musical partnership spans over two decades, originating from their collaboration in the mid-2000s with the outfit called The Pampelmuse.

Though The Pampelmuse disbanded in 2006 before their anticipated breakthrough, the duo’s passion for music continued to shine, eventually leading to the formation of Bromsen. As Bromsen, they made their entrance in October 2022, introducing their sound to the world with the debut single “Merryman,” followed by their sophomore outing, “The Photograph,” later that year.

Their initial releases were met with critical acclaim from the indie press and extensive radio support worldwide. The global impact of Bromsen’s music was further raised when the Brazilian dance group Lux choreographed a routine to “Merryman,” highlighting the duo’s cross-genre appeal to both dance and rock enthusiasts.

Now signed to the Epictronic imprint, Bromsen presents their much-anticipated debut full-length release, the aptly titled Brothers in Mind. Across its eleven tracks, the album presents the perfect run-through of their enduring musical synergy and includes all their previous singles, remixed and mastered for this release, alongside several new tracks that showcase their ever-shifting sound.

Kicking off the record with “One by One,” the rising pulse of a synth ushers in the crash of drums and commanding vocal before the song erupts into a danceable alternative pop outing cut with rock tinges. With fiercely catchy vocal hooks carrying lyrics about going round in circles with victories followed by set backs, the track delivers a thrilling listening experience from start to finish.

The band’s very first single “Merryman” delivers their familiar anthemic synth rock sound. Driven by the crisp snap of drums and vibrant array of shimmering synths and guitar, it’s a truly epic and infectiously catch track. “We!” sees Bromsen lean more into their rock-focused sound with the bold crunch of guitar tones backed by the lively shuffle of drums and colourful splash of synth textures as the memorable lead vocals dance above the impactful arrangement.

Other highlights on the record include songs like “Always on the Right Side” which delivers an 80s-inflected sound which rises with a slick guitar solo halfway through the song. Inspired by a late night stroll through the dockland area of London, “Always on the Right Side” offers a balance of upbeat energy and echoes of melancholic writing, resulting in a truly superb moment on the LP.

“Catch” sees Bromsen link up with fellow German synth pop outfit Pixel Meth to form a mesmeric slice of dreamy synth-driven music. With pulsing rhythms and the zaps and stabs of various synth textures, the track sees the two artists offer an examination of AI via their own perspective, weighing up both the pros and cons of the technology that’s rapidly become a widely used phenomenon.

Bringing the album to a close with “More Time,” Bromsen serve up one last outing that draws on their formula of punchy drums and the intricate interplay of guitar and synths. Adding a touch of cinematic grandiosity with a choir arrangement before the soothing tones of clean guitar offer an intimate and delicate conclusion to Bromsen’s incredible first album. With the backing of the Epictronic label, Brothers in Mind will also be released in physical format, set to drop later this month.

Listen to Brothers in Mind below