Six-Pack (Beverly Hills 808303)

• acid
• electro
• Beverly Hills 808303
• Frank Castle

As the dust of time continues to settle on the era of 90s electronic music, we find ourselves revisiting the groundbreaking releases that helped shape the genre into what it is today. Beverly Hills 808303’s “Six-Pack,” released in 1995, is a landmark record in the annals of acid house, and it continues to be a prominent milestone within the genre. Reflecting on its impact today, we can’t help but ask ourselves: How did this dirty acid project from Den Haag manage to create such a powerful and influential release using just the Roland TR-808 and TB-303?

From the opening moments of A1 - HATCH (5:00) to the closing beats of B3 - V1 (4:21), “Six-Pack” takes us on a relentless sonic journey through the seedy underbelly of acid house. The unique elements of this release, such as its raw, unpolished structure, hypnotic rhythm, and seductive melodies, all work together to create an atmosphere that transports listeners back to the smoke-filled warehouses and underground raves where this sound thrived.

As a key release in Beverly Hills 808303’s discography, “Six-Pack” encapsulates the essence of the producer’s gritty, uncompromising approach to acid house. Each track is driven by the pulsating, rhythmic backbone of the Roland TR-808, while the squelchy, modulating sounds of the TB-303 provide the melodic elements that evoke the feelings of hedonistic abandon synonymous with the genre.

The first track, A1 - HATCH (5:00), sets the tone with its ominous, brooding atmosphere and pounding rhythm. The relentless 808 drum machine lays the foundation for the hypnotic 303 bassline, creating a sense of urgency that compels the listener to surrender to the beat. One can’t help but wonder: Could this track have been a harbinger of the sonic onslaught that was to follow?

A2 - Imperial Star Destroyer (7:17) continues to build on the intensity established in the opening track. The syncopated rhythm and resonant 303 arpeggios pay homage to the pioneers of acid house, while also adding a distinctive flavor that is unmistakably Beverly Hills 808303. This track exemplifies the producer’s ability to create a soundscape that is both evocative and unapologetically abrasive. Was this a bold statement of intent, or merely a taste of the sonic experimentation that would become a hallmark of the project?

A3 - Sick And Tired (6:02) takes a slightly more introspective turn, with a slower tempo and melancholic, introspective melody. The track’s title could perhaps be seen as a reflection of the disillusionment and fatigue that many felt during the era, a time marked by significant social and cultural upheaval. The track serves as a somber reminder of the darker aspects of the human experience, even within the context of the escapist fantasy that acid house often provided.

B1 - EXP 1 (8:59) is a tour de force of rhythmic experimentation and mind-bending sound design. The track’s extended runtime allows Beverly Hills 808303 to showcase their prowess with the 808 and 303, creating an immersive, trance-inducing soundscape that stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of these iconic machines. Who would have thought that such seemingly limited tools could produce such a vast array of sonic textures?

B2 - Betty Ford Clinic (Live At The Suite ‘94) (4:58) is a live recording that captures the raw energy and chaotic spirit of the acid house scene at its peak. The relentless, driving beat and anarchic, squelching 303 lines serve as a powerful reminder of the unbridled hedonism that characterized the era. The inclusion of this live track on the release highlights the importance of the communal, shared experience of dancing together in dark, sweaty spaces, where the line between performer and audience was often blurred. Can we ever truly recapture the magic of those nights, or is this a mere snapshot of a bygone time that will forever be etched in our collective memory?

B3 - V1 (4:21) brings the release to a fitting conclusion, as the final track embodies the raw, unfiltered spirit of Beverly Hills 808303’s approach to acid house. The jagged, aggressive 303 lines contrast with the syncopated rhythm of the 808, creating a sense of tension that keeps the listener engaged until the very last beat. As the record draws to a close, one is left pondering: Has the full impact of this seminal release been truly appreciated, or is it only with the benefit of hindsight that we can recognize the genius of Beverly Hills 808303’s “Six-Pack”?

Throughout “Six-Pack,” the influence of acid house pioneers such as Phuture, 808 State, and Plastikman is unmistakable. However, Beverly Hills 808303 manages to forge their own path, creating a unique sonic identity that sets them apart from their contemporaries. The fusion of classic acid house elements with the producer’s distinctive, gritty aesthetic results in a release that is both a loving tribute to the genre’s roots and a forward-thinking exploration of its potential.

The record’s various incarnations, including the picture disc with pink “galaxy” artwork, the blue artwork version, and the purple-colored test pressing, all add to the mystique and allure of this seminal release. The fact that the pressing plant in the Czech Republic inadvertently created a pink-colored disc instead of the intended red only adds to the record’s storied history.

In conclusion, Beverly Hills 808303’s “Six-Pack” remains a shining example of the power and enduring appeal of acid house music. This release, with its raw, unapologetic sound and captivating atmosphere, is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity that can be achieved with even the most rudimentary tools. As we look back on this landmark record from today’s perspective, we cannot help but appreciate the impact it had on the genre and celebrate its continued relevance in the ever-evolving world of electronic music. Will future generations continue to uncover the magic of “Six-Pack” and recognize its significance in the broader tapestry of electronic music history? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: Beverly Hills 808303’s “Six-Pack” is a record that will not be forgotten anytime soon.