Grandbrothers: Something old; Something new
The pair that make up the band Grandbrothers could not be more different from each other. The group consists of the duo Erol Sarp, a trained jazz pianist, and Lukas Vogel, who constructs and plays synthesizers. Educated electronic synths and classically calculated acoustic piano playing create a unique and contrasting sound, combining the realistic warm piano with the cold yet varied synths. This more electronic sound not only allows them to stand out against their contemporaries, but also allows them to flesh out their sound.
The contrast between the piano and the ambient, glitchy, and sometimes even harsh electronic tones combines for an effect that not only keeps your attention but also makes you feel the music in your brain, your bones, and your body— the best part of it all is that the contrast exists in a surprising, paradoxical harmony with one another. Harmonic is what these two juxtaposing elements are together; one does not overpower the other, only takes an occasional backseat for the other to flourish.
Grandbrothers is an ode to the fact that the two work so well. In a musical context, these two pair so well that if their solo elements were played by themselves, you’d sense something was missing, like this is one half of a whole, even if you’ve never experienced their work prior. These two have been performing together since 2015 and have no signs of stopping, allowing their unique sound to form over time; listening to their combined music feels like two pieces of a puzzle coming together perfectly!
As for the actual music, as stated before, the luscious piano textures and the various flavors of electronics are present throughout all their songs. Most projects have piano-centric sections and electronic-centric sections but also parts where they combine—creating a cavalcade of piano professionalism and electronic excellence. Their sound is intoxicating; it puts you in a world of its own and doesn’t let you out until the song ends while taking you on a journey. Because of this, most songs end up being around four to five minutes, but even with that said, they’ll leave you wishing they were longer.
Even if you don’t usually listen to longer sounds or are purposely looking for longer songs to listen to, Grandbrothers is a perfect way to get a taste of modern instrumental jazz music.
Sure, it is not like your standard music on pop radio stations, but it remains approachable, of a very high standard, and even relaxing. Grandbrothers is versatile; Some tracks are more calming while others are harsher and more intense; whatever you're looking for in the sonic department— Grandbrothers has you covered! Their music will electrify or slowly serenade you through what I can only describe as incredible and indescribable gems! This is not a group you want to skip out on. I would encourage you to give them a listen!
Grandbrothers is an ecstatic electric-jazz-adjacent duo whose sound will surprise you with how intrinsically musical it seems, and that is a promise! You can listen to them on all traditional music platforms, and I’ll bet after you listen, you will have found a new band.
Thumbnail Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons