We Are Phuture (Phuture)

• house
• acid-house
• Phuture

As we embark on a retrospective journey through the annals of electronic dance music, one cannot ignore the seismic impact of the legendary Chicago-based Acid House group, Phuture. Founded in 1985 by DJ Pierre, Earl ‘Spanky’ Smith, and Herbert ‘Herb J’ Jackson, the trio ignited the dance floors with their groundbreaking fusion of futuristic sounds, twisted basslines, and hypnotic rhythms. Today, we dive into their 1988 masterpiece, “We Are Phuture,” a timeless record that continues to captivate the hearts and minds of those who encounter its entrancing grooves.

It’s impossible to discuss “We Are Phuture” without delving into the rich history that preceded its creation. The love affair between the trio and House Music began in the early 1980s when they would frequent the infamous Chicago nightclub, The Music Box, captivated by the innovative DJ sets of Ron Hardy. Inspired by the ethereal soundscapes that Hardy conjured up, the group set out to create their own music, with the hope that it too would resonate within the hallowed halls of The Music Box.

The eureka moment arrived in 1985 when Spanky stumbled upon the now-legendary Roland TB-303, a piece of equipment that would change the course of electronic music forever. The trio began to experiment with the 303, manipulating its knobs and patterns, and ultimately birthing a new sound that would come to be known as “Acid.” This alchemical transformation would forever change the trajectory of electronic music and pave the way for countless producers and DJs who would be inspired by the genre-defining sound that Phuture had pioneered.

Their debut track, “Acid Tracks,” wreaked havoc on the Chicago dance floors when it first surfaced in 1986. Aided by Hardy’s penchant for playing the track on cassette tapes during his sets, the song’s influence rapidly spread across the Atlantic, where it found a home in the heart of the UK’s burgeoning rave culture. The track’s official release on Trax Records in 1987, produced by Marshall Jefferson, solidified its status as an iconic piece of music history and laid the groundwork for the future of Acid House.

But it is the 1988 release of “We Are Phuture” that truly captures the essence of this innovative group. The record’s A-side, “We Are Phuture,” is a hypnotic eight minutes and thirty-eight seconds of pure Acid House bliss, as the Roland TB-303 comes alive, dancing and writhing like a serpent, weaving its way through the layers of the track. It’s as if the machine itself has taken on a life of its own, beckoning the listener to join in its seductive dance.

The B-side of the record opens with “Slam!”, a relentless five minutes and forty seconds of rhythmic ecstasy that showcases Phuture’s ability to manipulate the 303 to create a captivating and ever-evolving sonic landscape. The track’s relentless groove is punctuated by Spanky’s commanding vocals, which act as a conductor, guiding the listener through the tumultuous journey of sound.

The final track on the record, “Spank-Spank,” is a playful and mischievous ode to the group’s founding member. Clocking in at just under five minutes, the song is a testament to the joy and exuberance that Phuture brought to their music. The relentless drum pattern serves as a beating heart, pumping life into the track as the swirling synths and playful vocal samples dart around like mischievous sprites, teasing and tantalizing the listener.

“We Are Phuture” is an essential piece of electronic music history, a testament to the group’s pioneering spirit and their enduring influence on the genre. The record is a time capsule, capturing the essence of an era when electronic music was still in its infancy, yet bursting with creativity and potential. As we listen to “We Are Phuture” today, we are transported back to the halcyon days of Chicago’s dance music scene, enveloped by the intoxicating atmosphere of The Music Box and the pioneering spirit that drove DJ Pierre, Spanky, and Herb J to push the boundaries of what was possible.

The impact of “We Are Phuture” on the electronic music landscape cannot be overstated. It is a sonic tapestry that has inspired generations of producers and DJs, from the likes of Aphex Twin and the Chemical Brothers to Daft Punk and Richie Hawtin. Its legacy has rippled through the decades, with countless artists continuing to pay homage to the innovative sounds and techniques that Phuture pioneered.

In the pantheon of Acid House, “We Are Phuture” stands as a monument to the group’s vision and their unwavering dedication to their craft. It is an album that has aged gracefully, like a fine wine that only grows more complex and rich with the passing of time. The sounds contained within its grooves are as relevant today as they were in 1988, a testament to the timelessness of Phuture’s music and the indelible mark they left on the world of electronic dance music.

The record serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of music, and the way in which it can bring people together, transcending barriers of language, culture, and time. The sounds of “We Are Phuture” continue to echo through the dance floors of today, a testament to the enduring appeal of Phuture’s unique brand of Acid House magic.

As we look back on the legacy of “We Are Phuture,” we are reminded of the importance of pushing boundaries, challenging conventions, and embracing the unknown. The spirit of Phuture lives on through the countless artists who have been inspired by their work and the legions of fans who continue to embrace their music with open arms.

In conclusion, “We Are Phuture” is a seminal work that deserves its place in the annals of electronic music history. It is an album that stands as a testament to the power of creativity, innovation, and the human spirit. The record is a masterclass in the art of Acid House, a genre that Phuture helped to define and shape, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of music. As we continue to explore the ever-evolving world of electronic dance music, we can look back on “We Are Phuture” as a touchstone, a guiding light that illuminates the path forward and inspires us to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible.