Picture this: you’re at a festival, the bass is thumping, and the crowd is moving as one. That’s the kind of energy Grandbrothers are channeling with their latest single, “We Collide,” from their upcoming album Elsewhere, dropping September 26, 2025. If you’re into electronica, neo-classical, or indie electronic vibes, this track is about to become your new obsession. Let’s dive into why this song—and this duo—is making waves in the music scene right now.
A Bold New Chapter for Grandbrothers
For years, Grandbrothers—aka Erol Sarp and Lukas Vogel—have been the wizards of the grand piano, turning a single instrument into a universe of sound. From their 2015 debut Dilation to 2023’s Late Reflections, recorded in the stunning Cologne Cathedral, they’ve blended ambient, minimalism, and acoustic techno into something uniquely their own. But after pushing the piano to its limits, they were ready for a change. And boy, did they deliver with “We Collide.”
This track is a departure, and it’s glorious. The grand piano is still there, weaving its melodic magic, but now it’s joined by skittering drum loops, brooding synths, and a funk-inspired breakbeat that evolves from delicate to downright intense. It’s like they’ve taken their neoclassical roots and tossed them into a blender with U.K. garage and IDM influences. The result? A sound that’s both familiar and thrillingly new, with a kinetic energy that begs to be felt at full volume.
The production is sleek, with transitions so smooth you barely notice the tension building until it hits you. It’s the kind of track that makes you want to dance, reflect, and lose yourself all at once. And the video, directed by Austrian filmmaker Rupert Höller, is a perfect match. Höller’s abstract imagery captures the “inner storm” of the song, turning its hypnotic pull into a visual journey that’s as gripping as the music itself. As Sarp puts it, Höller “found a visual language that translates the energy of the music into motion.” Trust me, you’ll want to watch it on repeat.
Who Are Grandbrothers?
If you’re new to Grandbrothers, here’s the quick rundown. Erol Sarp, a German-Turkish pianist with a jazz background, and Lukas Vogel, a Swiss engineer who builds his own synthesizers, met during a university piano exam. Bonding over minimalist composers like Steve Reich and John Cage, they started making music together in 2011. Their gimmick? Every sound came from a grand piano, manipulated with Vogel’s custom electromechanical devices and acoustic pick-ups. It was a limitation that sparked endless creativity—until it didn’t.
After Late Reflections, Sarp and Vogel felt they’d hit a wall. “We were asking ourselves, how long do we want to continue this? Is it still inspiring?” Sarp recalls. So, they opened the floodgates, bringing in analog synths, drum samples, and bass-heavy beats. The result is Elsewhere, their fifth album and a bold reinvention. They’ve even launched their own label, and others, to mark this fresh start. “We Collide” is the perfect introduction to this new era, with its pulsating rhythms and vintage synth textures that nod to their roots while pushing forward.
Why “We Collide” Matters
In a world where electronic music can feel formulaic, “We Collide” stands out for its emotional depth and dynamic range. It’s not just a banger—it’s a story. The way the piano weaves through the beat, fragile one moment and commanding the next, feels like a conversation between Sarp and Vogel’s talents. And the festival energy they’re chasing? It’s palpable. They tested the track at 2024 gigs, and fans were dancing. That’s a big deal for a duo once pigeonholed as “neoclassical.”
This shift also taps into a broader trend in electronic music: artists blending genres to create something fresh. Think Bonobo meets Max Richter, with a dash of Four Tet’s rhythmic flair. Grandbrothers are riding this wave, and with Elsewhere, they’re poised to reach new listeners. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering them, “We Collide” is a testament to their willingness to evolve while staying true to their collaborative spark.
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If you’re an artist inspired by Grandbrothers’ journey, now’s the time to share your own music with the world. Platforms like DistroKid make it easy to distribute your tracks to Spotify, Apple Music, and more, letting you keep most of your earnings. Plus, you can score a 7% discount on your membership with this link: DistroKid VIP. It’s a no-brainer for indie artists looking to make their mark.
Final Thoughts
“We Collide” is Grandbrothers at their most adventurous, blending their signature piano-driven sound with bold electronic elements that demand your attention. It’s a track that feels alive, and with Elsewhere on the horizon, this duo is just getting started. So, crank up the volume, check out the video, and let this song take you somewhere new. What do you think of Grandbrothers’ new direction? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear!
