It doesn’t take an expansive imagination to picture how crowds will react to EDM duo Sofi Tukker’s new dance-ready album, BREAD. An acronym for Be Really Energetic And Dance—a sentiment that many would most likely agree with—BREAD is the epitome of what makes EDM such a big draw internationally while applying a laid-back attitude into each rightfully energized track. However, what makes Sofi Tukker unique from other duos and artists working in similar spheres is their symbiotic relationship, not just with each other but with what listeners are looking for whenever they need to dance out their worries.

“The BREAD world is vivid—a celebration of life and sensuality intended to give the listener energy, just like carbs,” the two said. “Bread is also something people all around the world use to connect, gather and share. We’re reminded that it feels amazing to lose your inhibitions, feel energized and dance.”

As no surprise from seasoned veterans to many major festivals, Sofi Tukker will be playing multiple dates throughout the year, ranging from opening slots on J Balvin and Kygo’s respective tours to their own headlining shows. In November, they will be playing in LA at The Torch at LA Coliseum on Nov. 2, San Diego at Gallagher Square at Petco Park on Nov. 3, and Santa Barbara at the Santa Barbara Bowl on Nov. 7.

Keeping It Carefree

A quick look at the tracklist, and you’ll be greeted by titles such as “Throw Some Ass,” which exemplifies the levity Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern hold dear. The song itself does not take itself seriously, with Sophie rejecting cortisone and honey in favor of throwing ass as the only remedy that might work. The tried and true electronic buildup coupled with a tropicalia rhythm leads perfectly into the chorus, like the setup to a punchline, where Sophie emotionally sings, “Feels so good to throw some ass,” as if it’s a cover of an old school R&B love croon.

However, the duo still shows a sentimental side that, although in contrast to much of the album’s humor, does display a full range of emotions perhaps not expected from EDM artists. “Hey Homie” is Sophie and Tucker’s tribute to cherished friendships, acting as an overall statement and a statement about each other. Aside from the electro-pop production, which also happens to be one of many genres explored on BREAD, the apparent tenderness of the track speaks to how the two find ways to add substance to songs that are already surefire dance celebrations.

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Truly, a tasty buffet of Sounds

In true all-you-can-eat fashion, BREAD presents a tasteful selection of songs, all derivatives of the infectious EDM Sofi Tukker is known for. While Sofi Tukker did look to Brazil for many of the album’s musical inspirations, there’s still an array of songs that appeal to wildly different sonic palettes. “Woof,” a track where five languages are spoken, makes an unlikely groove out of a guitar sample that, in isolation, could pass as a woeful folk lullaby. But Sofi Tukker, alongside guest Kah-Lo, knows how to supply the soundtrack for the ass-throwing they previously spoke of. Kah-Lo, in particular, makes the song all her own with a smooth verse complimenting Tucker’s deep vocals and Sophie’s daring task at singing four out of the five languages.

That’s not to say they haven’t carved out their own corner in tropicalia-inspired music. “Cafuné” takes Channel Tres’ brand of hip hop-house music and brings it to the beaches of Brazil, even though he doesn’t know how to say cafuné, asking Sophie how to pronounce the Portuguese word in one of the album’s funniest moments. On paper, the combination sounds like a match made in heaven. But the collaboration is far better in execution, featuring horns and a piano ripped out of a deep house mix from the 90s. “Cafuné” also goes to show how just about any given track could have been a single prior to the release of BREAD, further cementing how Sofi Tukker knows the right formula to create a hit.

Sun-Drenched Dance Anthems

Similar to other projects released this year that were likely made post-pandemic, the album’s all-around optimism and lightheartedness are hard to resist. Singles like “Throw Some Ass” and “Hey Homie” are typical Sofi Tukker, combining several elements while maintaining a simplistic approach that could make anyone latch on to any given song of theirs. Even on the album closer, “Perfect Someone,” the part is nowhere close to ending in what has to be the equivalent of a ballad for electronic music. In many ways, the song is Sofi Tukker’s “We No Speak Americano,” complete with a sensual sax and nonstop beat. It’s also worth noting that “Perfect Someone” has a Simlish version made for The Sims 4, which makes perfect sense considering the album prioritizes fun over any other aspect.

All in all, BREAD is a good time. Whether listening to the album from the comfort of your home or surrounded by a swarm of people at a concert, there’s no denying that Sophie and Tucker know what they’re doing. The countless hits they’ve accumulated for the good part of a decade already proved that, but BREAD is here to remind listeners that when they’re behind the turntables, you’re in good hands.

Words: David Sosa

Visit Sofi Tukker on their website and Instagram to stay updated on new releases and their upcoming tour, which includes an LA date at The Torch at LA Coliseum on Nov. 2.

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Sofi Tukker 2024 Tour:
*Headline fall tour – with #Confidence Man & $Shermanology 
+J Balvin
++Kygo

9.4.24 – Melbourne, AU – Rod Laver Arena +
9.6.24 – Sydney, AU – Qudos Bank Arena +
9.7.24 – Brisbane, AU – Brisbane Entertainment Centre +
9.8.24 – Auckland, NZ – Spark Arena +
9.18.24 – Austin, TX – Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park*#
9.20.24 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center *#
9.21.24 – Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom *#
9.24.24 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle *#
9.26.24 – New York, NY – Forest Hills Stadium *#
9.30.24 – Cleveland, OH – The Agora *#
10.2.24 – Philadelphia, PA – Franklin Music Hall *#
10.3.24 – Boston, MA – Roadrunner *#
10.4.24 – Boston, MA -Roadrunner *#
10.5.24 – Washington, DC – The Anthem *#
10.8.24 – Montreal, Canada – MTELUS *#
10.9.24 – Montreal, Canada – MTELUS *#
10.11.24 – Toronto, Canada – HISTORY *#
10.12.24 – Toronto, Canada – HISTORY *#

10.18.24 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory *$
10.19.24 – Chicago, IL – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom *$
10.22.24 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre *$
10.24.24 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre *$
10.25.24 – Salt Lake City, UT – Rockwell at The Complex *$
10.29.24 – Portland, OR – Theater of the Clouds at Moda Center *$
10.30.24 – Seattle, WA – WaMu Theater *$
11.2.24 – Los Angeles, CA – The Torch at L.A. Coliseum *$
11.3.24 – San Diego, CA – Gallagher Square at Petco Park *$
11.7.24 – Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Bowl *$
11.8.24 – San Francisco, CA – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium *$
11.20.24 – Hamburg, Germany – Große Freiheit 36 *
11.21.24 – Cologne, Germany – Lanxess Arena ++
11.23.24 – Vienna, Austria – Wiener Stadthalle ++
11.24.24 – Berlin, Germany – Uber Eats Music Hall *
11.26.24 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome ++
11.29.24 – Milan, Italy – Forum ++
12.1.24 – Zürich, Switzerland – Komplex 457 *
12.3.24 – Madrid, Spain – WiZink Center ++
12.6.24 – Brussels, Belgium – ING Arena ++
12.7.24 – Paris, France – Accor Arena ++
12.11.24 – London, UK – The O2 ++
12.13.24 – Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena ++