808 State

The Profile

808 State are an English electronic music group formed in Manchester in the late 1980s by Graham Massey, Martin Price and Gerald Simpson. They are widely cited as pioneers of UK acid house and early rave music, known for the single "Pacific State" and early albums such as Newbuild and Ninety.

Founding members included Graham Massey, Martin Price and Gerald Simpson. Gerald Simpson left to record as A Guy Called Gerald (notably "Voodoo Ray"). Darren Partington and Andy Barker later joined the group. "Pacific State" is frequently cited as a seminal track; Newbuild and Ninety are key early releases.

A single DeBaser review (4/5) celebrates 808 State as late‑80s Manchester pioneers of acid house and early rave. The review highlights Pacific State, the albums Ninety and Newbuild, and notes founding members and later additions. It praises the group's production, rhythmic interplay and influence on 90s electronics.