Mode Naarm 2024, in review

Mode Festival returned to Melbourne in 2024, relocating from its original location at PICA to The Pavilion. It was an open question whether this venue would still be just as revelatory - the industrial venue definitely offered a different feel but still packed an electric atmosphere.

The anticipation was high, and despite a rainy start to the day, the weather didn't stop eager festival-goers from making their way in. There was some confusion on accreditation, as no re-entry was allowed, and some were turned away while trying to do so.

By 4PM, a buzzing energy was already filling the grounds as punters got into party mode early, setting the tone for a long night of music.

The setup featured three distinct stages: one outdoor and two indoors, each catering to a range of sounds which Mode Festival is known for. Although initially wet from the rain, the outdoor stage became a hotspot as the weather cleared, attracting those ready to dance under the open sky. Indoors, the two stages had their character—one housed in a darker, more intimate space, and the other set up for more expansive, live-oriented performances.

Daytime highlights came courtesy of local legends Stev Zar and DJ PGZ. Their sets were tight and dynamic, blending local flavour with global sensibilities. Stev Zar got the crowd moving with a sharp selection, while DJ PGZ’s hard-hitting percussive rhythms and infectious grooves kept the early comers engaged. The stage was set perfectly for crowd favourite DJ Swisha, who followed with a set that embodied the energy and edge of New York's underground. His unique fusion of house, footwork, and jungle edits cut through the festival’s sound system, with rapid shifts and drops.

Outside, the mood transformed as Bristol’s duo Gorgon Sound took over, delivering a heavy, bass-rich set filled with roots reggae and dub. Their warm, echoing beats were the perfect antidote to the day’s grey skies, and soon enough, the outdoor area was packed. Deep, dubby basslines vibrated through the crowd, creating a communal, almost spiritual vibe, as festival-goers swayed in unison, basking in the irie energy as the sun beat down gently.

Om Unit followed with a set that took the festival into more experimental territory. Known for his genre-bending approach, Om Unit blended dub, drum & bass, and dub techno into a cohesive, mind-expanding journey. His ability to move between tempos and styles was impressive, keeping the crowd locked in and swaying to his deep, rolling basslines and intricately layered soundscapes.

Closing out the outdoor stage was the always eclectic Maurice Fulton, a selector of high regard. Fresh from an appearance at 24 Moons with Crown Ruler the night before, Fulton's set was as quirky and soulful as expected, and coupled with his eccentric appearance of mixing with wired earphones - it was a sight, and sound, to behold. Known for his off-kilter house selections and ability to weave through genres effortlessly, he threw down a funky, deeply rhythmic set that had the outdoor crowd vibing till the very end.

Inside, the main stage heated up as the night progressed. Rochelle Jordan delivered a stunning live performance, combining sultry vocals with futuristic, R&B-inspired production. Her presence on stage was magnetic, and the crowd responded, lost in the sensual, rhythmic flow of her sound. Jordan’s set was a highlight, a perfect balance between live performance and electronic precision that had the crowd moving in sync with her every beat.

Following Jordan was Roza Terenzi, who brought her signature blend of infectious, high-energy sounds that meld house, electro, and breakbeat. By this point, the party was in full swing, and Terenzi’s punchy, euphoric set ensured the energy stayed high. Inside, the other stage featured Person Sound, whose minimalist yet rhythmically complex approach was a masterclass in musical precision. Their set felt like an exploration of the cutting-edge sound, with hypnotic, otherworldly patterns that had the crowd fully entranced, dancing in ways that reflected the intricate beats they were hearing.

While The Pavilion offered a raw, industrial setting that suited the underground vibe of Mode, there were some grumbles about the sound quality, which didn’t quite match up to the pristine, immersive experience that many had hoped for. The layout of the venue also felt a little awkward at times, with spaces that felt disconnected from one another. But these issues didn’t seem to dampen the crowd’s enthusiasm. Mode Festival has always been about the music and the people, and on that front, it is delivered in spades. The energy was infectious, and there was a sense of community that permeated the entire event. Everyone, from the artists to the attendees, was there for one reason—to get lost in the music.

With Mode Festival set to take over Cockatoo Island in Sydney this coming weekend, those who missed the Melbourne edition still have a chance to catch some of the festival’s finest acts in a truly unique location. If Melbourne was anything to go by, it’s going to be a journey worth taking.

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