Acid House
Essential Acid House releases
Acid House is the soundtrack of the late '80s and early '90s, a genre that emerged like a cheeky grin on a rainy British day. Originating from Chicago in the mid-1980s, it quickly made its way across the pond, captivating the rave scene in the UK. Basslines that could shake your bones, distinctive squelchy 303 acid lines, and repetitive beats defined this genre, sending countless youths into a euphoric trance on makeshift dance floors in warehouses and fields.
Acid House wasn't just about the music, oh no; it became a cultural phenomenon, entwined with the rise of club culture and the hedonistic spirit of the UK rave scene. The genre's name itself pays homage to the iconic Roland TB-303 synthesiser, which created that peculiar liquid sound. More than just a fad, Acid House influenced fashion, art, and even social movements, with its embrace of individualism and free-spiritedness.
Artists like Phuture and their track 'Acid Tracks' spearheaded this revolution, while the likes of Soft Cell and their emotive song 'Tainted Love' gave a nod to the darker, more introspective side of the movement. Acid House evolved over the years, influencing numerous sub-genres and leaving an indelible mark on the electronic music landscape. Today, the squelch of a TB-303 might make the older raver weep with nostalgia, whilst younger generations discover its charm through new artists sampling this vibrant past.
Acid House, with its cheeky smile and colourful aesthetic, is here to stay, reminding us all to let loose, get lost in the groove, and embrace the acid.
Subgenres
Acid Rock
A fusion of acid house with rock elements, offering a unique blend of psychedelic and electronic sounds.
Acid Techno
A harder, faster variant of acid house, incorporating techno's driving beats.
Hard Acid
This subgenre ups the tempo and intensity, designed for the most energetic dance floors.
Acid Jazz
A blend of jazz, funk, and acid house, perfect for groovy gatherings.
Progressive Acid
Fusing progressive house sounds with acid elements for a euphoric experience.
Essential Acid House Artists

Phuture
Pioneered the Acid House genre with their groundbreaking track 'Acid Tracks'.

Orbital
Their unique sound and live performances greatly influenced the acid and wider electronic music scene.

The Chemical Brothers
Brought Acid House into the mainstream with their blend of electronic music and engaging live sets.

Daft Punk
While primarily house, their influences are evident, especially in their exploration of acid sounds.






















