Quadrastate cover

Quadrastate

808 State · 1989

66 min · 13 tracks · electronic music

A vibrant mix of acid house rhythms and ambient soundscapes that encapsulates the dawn of electronic dance music.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Pacific State — This track is a quintessential representation of the album's sound, showcasing lush synths combined with rhythmic beats that define the acid house genre.
  • →
    State Ritual — With its hypnotic loop and ethereal samples, this track exemplifies the experimental edge of Quadrastate, exploring deeper sonic textures.
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    Let Yourself Go (303 mix) — Featuring iconic TB-303 basslines, this version captures the essence of acid house while highlighting 808 State's knack for infectious grooves.
  • →
    Deepville — This track stands out for its atmospheric build-up and intricate layers, reflecting 808 State's ability to blend melody with rhythm seamlessly.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

Quadrastate combines ambient textures with acid house rhythms, showcasing solid composition and craft for its time.

What we noticed

  • The first track, 'Pacific State', introduces a lush ambient soundscape that sets a tranquil mood before the tempo picks up.
  • Several tracks utilize repetitive acid house motifs, with layered synth lines that create a hypnotic effect.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • immersive synth landscapes for exploration
  • hypnotic rhythms for deep focus
  • extended tracks for patient listening
  • uplifting moments for dance energy

Maybe skip if you

  • instant gratification seekers
  • short attention span listeners

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1989, Quadrastate was 808 State's debut album, introducing their innovative sound to the burgeoning acid house scene. At this point, the group was still establishing their presence following earlier singles that had begun to garner attention in clubs across the UK.
Stylistic neighbors
The Chemical Brothers· Orbital· Underworld

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Pacific State 6:28
  • 2 106 0:42
  • 3 State Ritual 6:08
  • 4 Disco State 5:12
  • 5 Fire Cracker 4:51
  • 6 State to State 5:44
  • 7 Let Yourself Go (303 mix) 6:02
  • 8 Deepville 7:25
  • 9 Got It Huh 4:18
  • 10 Techclock 2:17
  • 11 In Yolk 6:55
  • 12 State Ritual Scam 5:59
  • 13 Let Yourself Go (D50 mix) 4:50

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata