Acid house music emerged in the mid-1980s as a sub-genre of house music, characterized by its signature squelchy, psychedelic sounds produced using the Roland TB-303 synthesizer. The genre originated in Chicago and quickly spread to the UK, where it played a crucial role in shaping the rave culture and electronic dance music scene.
Notable artists who contributed to the growth of acid house include Phuture, whose track 'Acid Tracks' is often considered the first true acid house song. Other influential artists are DJ Pierre, Larry Heard, Armando, and Fast Eddie. Key tracks that defined the genre include 'Higher State of Consciousness' by Josh Wink, 'Voodoo Ray' by A Guy Called Gerald, and 'Energy Flash' by Joey Beltram.
As acid house gained popularity in the late '80s and early '90s, it influenced various sub-genres like techno, trance, and breakbeat hardcore. The energy and distinctive sound of acid house laid the foundation for modern electronic dance music (EDM). The genre also played a significant role in popularizing club culture and large-scale dance parties known as raves.
Today, acid house continues to captivate audiences with its hypnotic sound and has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Modern artists like Paranoid London, Tin Man, and Helena Hauff have incorporated acid house elements into their music, ensuring the legacy of this iconic genre lives on.