Phuture’s Acid Tracks (1987), is recognised as the first true acid house album, marking a turning point in electronic music
The EP Acid Tracks, by Phuture, is often heralded as the genesis of acid house music. Released in 1987 on Trax Records, this 12-minute instrumental track is credited with defining the genre through its innovative use of the Roland TB-303 bass synthesizer, which produced the distinctive squelchy sounds characteristic of acid house…
Few words about the record
Emblematic 12-minute EP, features innovative use of the Roland TB-303, creating characteristic sounds that would come to define acid house. First played by DJ Ron Hardy at Chicago’s Music Box, Acid Tracks captivated audiences and contributed to the rise of electronic dance music. Phuture, made up of DJ Pierre, Earl ‘Spanky’ Smith Jr. and Herb J, not only made musical history with this track, but also established a sound aesthetic that still influences many artists today. Past or Phuture rules are the same, play it loud, especially in the dark !
The importance of Acid Tracks cannot be underestimated. As a pioneer of acid house, this EP introduced sonic elements that would redefine the musical landscape of the 80s and 90s. The track’s squelchy, hypnotic textures, created using real-time modulation techniques, offered an immersive experience that captured the attention of clubgoers around the world. The success of Acid Tracks also paved the way for other artists and producers, inspiring generations of electronic musicians. Elements of repetitive rhythm and minimalist composition became fundamental characteristics of electronic music, contributing to the rise of techno, house and other related genres.
Few more words about it
The legacy of Phuture and Acid Tracks raises interesting questions about the evolution of electronic music. As genres continue to mix and adapt, Phuture’s track is a reminder of the importance of experimentation and innovation in music-making. With the advent of new technologies and production tools, it’s fascinating to see how contemporary artists are building on these foundations to create even bolder, more avant-garde sounds. The impact of Acid Tracks is therefore not only historic, but continues to inspire endless exploration of musical creativity.
A good listening is probably better than telling something about this huge timeless track… Tb303 found then a real life with new adepts ! (Spanky, Herbert J et DJ Pierre, under the collectiv « Phuture », have changed history about dance music. Spanky created a track with his TB-303, with 5 notes programmed quickly hasardous on it He asked DJ Pierre to listen to it, then the machine was playing the loop séquence he turned the boutons and then acid house was born ! Phuture recorded then Acid Tracks. TB-303 became cult, sort of house generation icon and later techno… When you think that Tb 303 was Born in 1982, actualy seems to be that the time has no power on this machine created by « Tadao Kikumoto« , the guy who also built TR909.
