The Go Set are an Australian punk rock band, who were formed in 2003 in Geelong by founding mainstays Justin Keenan, on vocals and guitar, and Mark Moran on bass guitar. By 2017 they had released seven studio albums and toured Australia, Europe, New Zealand and Japan.
History
The Go Set were formed in Geelong in 2003 by lead singer-songwriter and guitarist, Justin Keenan, and bass guitarist, Mark Moran. Keenan is the owner of Karvin Records, which is a Melbourne-based talent management, PR company and record label. He had been a member of Melbourne-based garage rockers, Eddie Would Go, which formed in 1996 and released three albums before disbanding in 2001.
Their debut album, Sing a Song of Revolution (2005), was produced by Lindsay Gravina at Melbourne's Birdland Studios. This album fuses traditional folk influences with 1970s punk rock. Shite 'n' Onions Will Swan observed, "[they] first marched into view, all bagpipes and tattered banners and bandaged heads held high, with 2005’s Sing a Song of Revolution, an exciting and accessible collection of emigrant anthems and mandolin-spiked drinking music."
The Go Set's second album, The Hungry Mile (2006), was produced by Radio Birdman front man Rob Younger.
During August 2013 they supported a tour by the Real McKenzies, with BMAs Rory McCartney observing, "[their] fusion of punk with bagpipes, kilts, tin whistles, and even a mandolin might seem an odd mix... [however] the five-piece has had 13 different members over the years. Touring takes its toll on families and the band has a revolving line-up." McCartney reflected on the group's song writing, "Like its sound, the band's lyrical material has also been heavily influenced by the members' heritage. Keenan's parents were very left-leaning. This made him serious about music and wanting to leave a legacy people could connect to, one that rises above popular culture."