808 State – Ex:el (2LP/Blue/National Album Day 2023 release)
Released in 1991, Ex:el is the third studio album by Manchester’s pioneering electronic group 808 State and is often regarded as one of their most influential and forward-thinking records. Building on their acid house roots, Ex:el blends techno, rave, industrial, and experimental pop, reflecting the diverse and rapidly evolving dance music landscape of the early 90s. The album marked a shift towards more structured songcraft, featuring high-profile vocal contributions from Björk on "Ooops" and Bernard Sumner of New Order on "Spanish Heart," adding a new dimension to their dense, futuristic sound.
Across its tracks, Ex:el fuses breakbeats, shimmering synths, and heavy basslines with unexpected melodies and samples, creating a vibrant, genre-defying listening experience. Standout tracks like "In Yer Face" and "Cubik" capture the raw energy of UK rave culture while hinting at the more melodic, accessible direction electronic music would soon take.
Ex:el remains a landmark album in the evolution of British electronic music, influencing a generation of producers from techno to IDM. Its adventurous spirit and bold collaborations helped 808 State bridge the gap between the underground dance scene and the mainstream, securing their legacy as innovators within the genre.