80s synth-pop was hugely unfashionable by the time the 1990s rolled along. First, Madchester, and then Britpop, brought back guitar pop-rock and bands like The Stone Roses, Blur and Oasis were all the rage. Well, in the UK. Across the Atlantic, Nirvana captured the imagination of the record buying public and “grunge” was coined. However, electronica was on the rise in the British isles, especially “techno” which brought the genre beyond the pop confines of synth-pop. Here is a sampling of some of my favourites from that exciting British Techno era.
The Orb - "Little Fluffy Clouds" (1990): An ambient techno masterpiece, this track samples Steve Reich, Minnie Riperton, and a weatherman, creating a dreamy, atmospheric journey that defined the chillout scene.
Aphex Twin - "Windowlicker" (1999): A bizarre and complex track with distorted vocals, glitchy beats, and a surreal music video. It's a testament to Richard D. James' experimental genius and his ability to push the boundaries of electronic music.
Goldie - "Inner City Life" (1994): A landmark drum and bass track with haunting vocals from Diane Charlemagne, sweeping strings, and a soulful vibe. It brought drum and bass to the mainstream and showcased the genre's emotional depth.
The Prodigy - "Firestarter" (1996): A high-octane anthem with punk energy, distorted synths, and Keith Flint's iconic, manic vocals. It's a raw and aggressive track that helped define the big beat sound and propelled The Prodigy to global stardom.
Orbital - "Chime" (1990): A rave classic with a simple, repetitive melody, breakbeat rhythms, and euphoric energy. It's an infectious track that captures the spirit of early 90s rave culture and still gets dancefloors moving today.
Future Sound of London - "Papua New Guinea" (1991): An atmospheric, tribal-inspired track with ambient textures, ethereal vocals, and a hypnotic groove. It's a sonic adventure that showcases FSOL's innovative production techniques and their ability to create otherworldly soundscapes.
Underworld - "Born Slippy.NUXX" (1996): Featured in the film "Trainspotting," this track became a cultural phenomenon. Its pulsating beats, distorted vocals, and uplifting energy made it an anthem for a generation.
Leftfield - "Phat Planet" (1996): A dub-influenced track with a heavy bassline, hypnotic rhythms, and atmospheric sounds. It's a dark and brooding track that showcases Leftfield's ability to create immersive sonic experiences.
Autechre - "Anti EP" (1994): An experimental masterpiece with abstract beats, glitchy textures, and unconventional structures. It's a challenging and rewarding listen that showcases Autechre's avant-garde approach to electronic music.
The Chemical Brothers - "Hey Boy, Hey Girl" (1999): A big beat banger with a catchy vocal sample, driving beats, and a euphoric breakdown. It's a feel-good anthem that captures the energy of late 90s dance music and remains a popular club track today.
This list is just a glimpse into the rich and diverse world of British techno in the 1990s. These artists and tracks pushed boundaries, experimented with sounds, and helped define the decade's electronic music landscape.