808 State

Rhythmically propulsive yet utterly euphoric, thanks to the dreamy saxophone sound at its center, 808 State’s “Pacific State” became one of the emerging rave scene’s definitive tracks when it was released in 1989. The song’s club and chart success also helped establish Manchester as the epicenter of a vibrant dance culture that initially took root at places like Eastern Bloc, the record shop where 808 State’s three original members—store owner Martin Price and customers Graham Massey and Gerald Simpson—first connected. Massey became the group’s driving force after Simpson left in 1989 to make music as A Guy Called Gerald; Price departed two years later. On 1991's ex:el, 808 State made a further evolutionary leap with music that combined the headlong rush of acid house and early techno with the scope and sophistication of New Order, whose singer, Bernard Sumner, guested on the single "Spanish Heart." More innovations and collaborations filled later 808 State efforts like 2002’s Outpost Transmission and 2019’s Transmission Suite.