Acid Crash / Red Hot (Tyree Cooper)

• acid-house
• freestyle
• Tyree Cooper
• Trilogy

As the sun sets on the golden era of acid house, it’s impossible not to look back and admire the pioneers that shaped the landscape of electronic music as we know it today. The Acid Crash / Red Hot EP by Tyree Cooper, released in May 1988, is one such record that has stood the test of time and remains an essential piece in any discerning collector’s library. Hailing from the Windy City of Chicago, Tyree Cooper has made his mark as a bonhomous producer, DJ, and rapper. Now based in Las Vegas and running Chicago Vinyl Records, Cooper’s influence on the house and techno scene is undeniable.

The Acid Crash / Red Hot EP is like a time capsule, capturing a snapshot of the raw energy and untamed creativity that defined the late 80s’ music scene. In the grand tapestry of acid house, this release is a vibrant and vivid thread, weaving its way through the intricate patterns of rhythm and melody that have come to define the genre. Taking inspiration from the likes of Phuture, DJ Pierre, and Adonis, Cooper has crafted a release that manages to encapsulate the very essence of the acid sound while carving out a unique niche for itself.

Side A of the EP kicks off with “Acid Crash (House Mix)” (6:01), a track that is as relentless as it is infectious. The driving 303 bassline snakes its way through the track, slithering and twisting like an electric eel, while the crisp 808 drums punctuate the air like a hailstorm of sonic bullets. The track’s melody is an interplay between the hypnotic arpeggios and the undulating acid lines, a dance that swirls around the listener like a cyclone of sound. The vocal samples are used sparingly but effectively, adding an extra layer of texture to an already dense soundscape.

Following the House Mix, we have the “Acid Crash (Dub Mix)” (4:35), which strips away the vocal samples and leaves us with a more skeletal and minimalistic version of the original. The Dub Mix is like looking at the original through a kaleidoscope, as the familiar elements are refracted and reassembled into new and intriguing patterns. The focus here is on the mesmerizing acid lines, which take on a life of their own, worming their way into the listener’s subconscious like the tendrils of some otherworldly creature.

Flipping the record over, we are greeted with “Red Hot (Club Mix)” (7:45), a track that showcases Cooper’s penchant for blending house and hip-hop elements into an intoxicating concoction. The track is a slow burner, building up momentum like a steam locomotive gathering steam as it prepares to race down the tracks. The groove is infectious, propelled forward by a thick and chunky bassline that provides the perfect foundation for the swirling synths and hypnotic vocal hooks. The track is a testament to Cooper’s ability to bring seemingly disparate elements together into a cohesive and engaging whole.

The final track on the EP is “Red Hot (Dub Mix)” (7:00), which once again deconstructs the original and presents it in a new light. The Dub Mix is like a ghostly echo of the Club Mix, with the stripped-down elements creating an ethereal and otherworldly atmosphere. The track is a haunting exploration of rhythm and space, as the sparse percussion and reverb-drenched synths create a sense of emptiness and isolation that is both eerie and captivating.

The Acid Crash / Red Hot EP is a testament to Tyree Cooper’s prowess as a producer and his ability to innovate within the confines of a genre that was still in its infancy. The release serves as a reminder of the boundless creativity and energy that defined the late 80s’ acid house scene, as well as the enduring appeal of this particular style of music. In many ways, the EP is like a bridge between the past and the present, connecting the dots between the pioneers of the genre and the contemporary artists that continue to push the envelope and explore new sonic territories.

The unique structure, rhythm, and melody of the Acid Crash / Red Hot EP demonstrate Cooper’s knack for taking the familiar elements of acid house and reimagining them in unexpected and inventive ways. The tracks on this release feel like an auditory rollercoaster, taking the listener on a wild ride through a kaleidoscope of sound and emotion. The EP is a journey through the depths of the human psyche, exploring themes of desire, introspection, and the eternal quest for connection.

In the grand scheme of Tyree Cooper’s discography, the Acid Crash / Red Hot EP holds a special place, as it marks a key point in his artistic evolution. This release serves as a testament to Cooper’s fearless experimentation and willingness to embrace new ideas, qualities that have continued to serve him well throughout his career. As a producer, Cooper has never been content to rest on his laurels, constantly pushing himself to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of electronic music.

The Acid Crash / Red Hot EP is also notable for the ways in which it draws inspiration from other artists and genres. Cooper’s ability to synthesize a wide range of influences, from the raw energy of Phuture and the innovative production techniques of DJ Pierre to the hypnotic grooves of Adonis, is a testament to his versatility and open-mindedness as a producer. By incorporating these diverse influences into his own work, Cooper has managed to create a sound that is at once familiar and wholly unique.

In conclusion, the Acid Crash / Red Hot EP by Tyree Cooper is a masterful exploration of the acid house genre, showcasing the producer’s skill, creativity, and ability to innovate within the constraints of a well-established sound. The tracks on this release are like a symphony of chaos and harmony, blending together disparate elements into a cohesive and engrossing whole. With its infectious rhythms, hypnotic melodies, and daring experimentation, the Acid Crash / Red Hot EP is a shining example of the enduring appeal and relevance of acid house music. It’s a release that not only stands the test of time but continues to inspire and captivate listeners more than three decades after its initial release. The Acid Crash / Red Hot EP is a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and unite people from all walks of life, a message that is as relevant today as it was in the halcyon days of the late 80s.