808 State

The Profile

808 State are a British electronic music group formed in Manchester in 1988 by Martin Price, Graham Massey, and Gerald Simpson. Pioneers of the UK acid house and rave movement, they broke through with the single Pacific State and the album Ninety, and continued with acclaimed releases such as Ex:el, Gorgeous, and Don Solaris.

Formed in Manchester in 1988 by Martin Price, Graham Massey, and Gerald Simpson; Simpson later departed and recorded as A Guy Called Gerald (Voodoo Ray). Subsequent members included Darren Partington and Andy Barker. Key tracks include Pacific State, In Yer Face, and Cubik. Notable albums: Newbuild (1988), Ninety (1989), Ex:el (1991), Gorgeous (1993), Don Solaris (1996), and Transmission Suite (2019). Collaborations feature Bernard Sumner (Spanish Heart) and Björk (Ooops, Qmart).

One review dives into 808 State’s breakthrough era, centering on Ninety and the landmark track Pacific State. It sketches their 1988 Manchester origins and lineup shifts, and nods to notable albums like Newbuild, Ex:el, and Gorgeous. Collaborations with Bernard Sumner and Björk are highlighted, alongside key tracks In Yer Face and Cubik.