Setaoc Mass – ‘Vast Sky’

image: Azzymah Zain

Scottish techno label, Animal Farm Records, has released a free track entitled ‘Vast Sky’ by Mancunian producer, Setaoc Mass, AKA Sam Coates, in support of his brand new ‘NICMOS’ EP.

‘Vast Sky’ is a driving techno cut powered by tough but well-contained kick drums and an old school, lo-fi synth stab that’s slightly reminiscent of the epic line from Snap’s 1993 classic, ‘Exterminate’, albeit in a much darker context. The track is underpinned by a glassy and suitably distorted pad that rarely lets up, bringing a kind of nervous energy to the whole thing, which really sets in halfway through with the addition of a splashy cymbal.

Check out and download ‘Vast Sky’ on the Soundcloud player below. You’ll also find previews for the ‘NICMOS’ EP, which was released yesterday; initially as a vinyl-only edition, available exclusively from Decks for two weeks, before the digital version drops in November. A collection of rough rhythms and tough percussive workouts, the EP is spiked with dub-influenced synth hooks and a rawness that shouts: “made in the UK”.

Sam explains: “With the lead track, ‘NICMOS’, I wanted to infuse the dub chords with some harsh drum processing, as I generally like my music to be quite heavy, and the aspect of light and dark is always something I try to bring across. ‘POIDUB’ is a more of a straight-up techno cut with sparse claps and hats. I like the way you have to chase and follow that lead chord down the different paths that it takes. And the Kopp remix… Well, he’s always been a bit of a hero, so when Animal Farm said they were going to request him, I was happy to oblige. He’s done a sterling job.”

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