808 State: Architects of the British Acid House and Electronica Sound

808 State are an English electronic music group from Manchester, pivotal in shaping the UK's acid house and rave scene. Formed in 1987, the collective is best known for their pioneering fusion of techno, ambient, and breakbeat, achieving mainstream success with the seminal 1989 album "Ninety."

Early Career

808 State originated in Manchester in 1987, founded by Graham Massey, Martin Price, and Gerald Simpson. Their early work was deeply rooted in the burgeoning acid house movement, characterized by the squelching basslines of the Roland TB-303 synthesizer, which also inspired their name.

The group's first releases, including the "Newbuild" album in 1988 on their own Creed label, helped define the raw, DIY sound of the UK's early rave culture. This period established them as key figures in the so-called Madchester scene, bridging guitar-based indie with electronic dance music.

Breakthrough

808 State's breakthrough arrived in 1989 with the album "Ninety," released on the ZTT label. The record, featuring the iconic single "Pacific State," broke into the UK Top 10 and received widespread radio play, introducing their lush, atmospheric take on house and techno to a national audience.

This success was solidified by further chart entries and the influential follow-up, "ex:el" in 1991, which featured collaborations with artists like Björk and Bernard Sumner of New Order. Their work during this era earned them gold and silver certifications in the UK, cementing their status as electronica innovators.

Key Tracks

Pacific State - This instrumental track from the "Ninety" album became an unexpected chart hit and an anthem for the ambient house genre.

Cubik - A later single known for its intricate, melodic synth lines and complex structure, showcasing the group's progression into more experimental techno and IDM.

In Yer Face - A driving, energetic track from the "ex:el" album that exemplifies the group's ability to craft potent dancefloor material with a distinct British rave edge.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, 808 State continued to release albums such as "Gorgeous" and "Don Solaris," exploring trip-hop, jazz influences, and further collaborations. Their consistent output and pioneering role have influenced countless acts across electronic music, from big beat to progressive house.

Fans of 808 State's brand of pioneering British electronica and acid house may also enjoy the work of similar artists from the UK electronic scene. The Orb share a fondness for expansive ambient soundscapes. Autechre explore similarly experimental and complex IDM territories. Orbital offer another iconic take on melodic, festival-ready techno and house. Leftfield deliver a darker, more progressive house and dub-influenced sound from the same era.

The music of 808 State remains a staple on electronic and alternative radio stations, including classic dance music channels, online electronica streams, and independent music radio stations that celebrate genre pioneers.

Listeners can discover the influential sound of 808 State through the electronic and alternative radio stations featured on this website.