A sub-genre of dance music in the UK from the early 1990s, derived from acid house. It consists of simplistic, anthem-like electronic melodies over very high tempo, electronic techno backing. Like acid house, it was dance music initially for illegal rave parties, often held in secret locations such as warehouses or fields. Despite condemnation from the mass media (many rave parties and musicians thrived on the use of the drug ecstasy), it enjoyed mass commercial success through artists such as Altern 8, Praga Khan and the Prodigy. Unlike other electronic genres, rave artists also had a strong visual sense from dance to fashion accessories (many inspired by rave drug culture) to club decoration. This commercial success was helped by a string of novelty rave singles, such as Smart E's SesamE's Treat and Mark Summer's Summers Magic, both of which sampled themes from children's television. Several rave artists have achieved longevity including Moby, 808 State and Cappella. Rave music has continued as ‘happy hardcore’ but lacks its former commercial appeal. Live events have also been driven further underground following the introduction in the UK of the Criminal Justice Bill, which included clauses written especially to outlaw large outdoor parties.
M. Collin: Altered State: the Story of Ecstasy Culture and Acid House (London, 1997, 2/1998)
S. Reynolds: Generation Ecstasy: Into the World of Techno and Rave Culture (London, 1998)
IAN PEEL