Sydney electronic duo Set Mo have today released their sophomore record Flux, a bold journey of evolution traversing the concept of change. The 13-track project offers bouncy rhythms and sharp percussion with vibrant piano and glossy synths. Comprised of members Stu Turner and Nick Drabble, the polished production is sweetened by the silky vocals and well-fitting guest features.
Featuring the singles, “Something to Dream of”, “Feelings”, “On Fire” and most recently “Let Yourself Go”, Flux is a portrait of human connection and is equally euphoric and cathartic. Perhaps one of the biggest teachers of change, the duo experienced profound loss during the writing of the album, with both losing their grandparents and Turner navigating his way through the end of a long-term relationship.
To lighten the mood, we asked Set Mo to share their top five EDM tracks of all time.
- Booka Shake – “In White Rooms”
This is easily one of our all-time favourite electronic tunes. It came out right around the time we really got into clubbing and you could hear it out in clubs most weekends and being played in a lot of different contexts which was cool – it connected across different musical scenes. The duo toured Australia promoting their album Movements which this track was on. I saw them play at the Metro and it blew my mind. I’d never seen a live electronic duo quite like this before. The combination of Arno on the electronic drums and Water behind the synths.
We somehow managed to sneak backstage after the show and meet the guys who kindly offered us a shot of Jagermeister. After our ‘cheers’ with them, we downed our shots thinking that’s what you’re supposed to do, right? Only to realise they had a sip and then looked at us and laughed. Haha. Full circle moment was in 2018 when they were doing the 10 year anniversary tour of Movements and we were invited to support at their Sydney show!
- Jamie XX – “Gosh”
It’s hard to pinpoint whether it’s the infectious breakbeat groove, the haunting pitched-down vocals, the extremely deep emotive bass or perhaps the fucking incredible music video, but this track is something else. I have no idea what genre you’d call it and I can’t think of anything else that you’d compare it to. It’s just one of the songs that stands on its own.
- Lovebirds – “Want You in My Soul”
Lovebirds is a German producer who we’ve been fans of for a very long time. He’s put out countless classic records over the years, but this one has to take the cake for us. Eight minutes of pure bliss. It’s a beautiful swirling, floaty journey that can really transport you.
Stee Downes’ yearning vocals on this song are the icing on the cake, you can hear the honesty in his delivery that reminds us of a sunrise. We’ve played this song as our last track at the end of extended sets and it’s yet to let us down. Chef’s kiss.
- Aphex Twin – “Alberto Balsam”
Downtempo electronica holds a special place in our hearts and this has to be one of the best ever made. Bordering on hip hop, this track will get you strutting within 30 seconds – and how could we forget the iconic chair squeak? Aphex Twin has been a massive inspiration for us, encouraging us to try to break out of our normal and utilise found sounds.
- Ross From Friends – “The Daisy”
This one is pretty current for fav tracks of all time, but it hasn’t left rotation since it was released. Another amazing groove locked in with some wild synth work and just the right amount of trance influence, this tune is a future classic. Make sure you sus the music video as well, it’ll have you reaching for a Rubiks cube.
Flux is available now everywhere. Follow Set Mo on Facebook and Instagram for more.
