# Setting Sun – The Chemical Brothers
The Chemical Brothers emerged as pioneers of the big beat movement in the mid-1990s, establishing themselves as innovative electronic producers who blended breakbeats, sampling, and live instrumentation into a sound that dominated dance floors and alternative venues alike. By 1996, the duo of Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons had already proven their production prowess and were poised to create one of the era's defining tracks.
Setting Sun stands as a landmark release that showcases the group's ability to craft expansive electronic compositions with genuine pop appeal. The track exemplifies big beat's core characteristics: driving breakbeats, heavy basslines, and layered synthesizers that build into euphoric crescendos. The full-length version clocks in at just over five minutes, offering an accessible entry point to the Chemical Brothers' maximalist approach while maintaining the energy and innovation the duo were known for delivering.
This 12-inch single release from Freestyle Dust in 1996 includes the instrumental version, extending the sonic exploration to seven minutes and allowing listeners to appreciate the intricate production work without vocal elements. The inclusion of Buzz Tracks provides additional material that rounds out the package, giving collectors substantial value across the three tracks.
Setting Sun became emblematic of the big beat boom that would define mid-to-late 1990s electronic music. The release captures the Chemical Brothers at a creative peak, balancing accessible melodies with sophisticated production techniques. For vinyl collectors, this 12-inch pressing represents an essential document of electronic music history and the big beat era's commercial and artistic breakthrough.
