The EP You Can’t Call It That by Acid Cats presents a genuine, hardware-based interpretation of UK tech house, featuring two new tracks and three remixes all based on club-oriented rhythms and acid sounds. It was released by Freaky Nation Records and incorporates the traditional influences of UK acid and tech-house music while at the same time keeping a contemporary approach to production. Characterised by squelching TB-303 sounds, quick drum patterns and strong rhythms, the release is aimed at late-night dancefloors, each version providing a different way of handling the material.
“You Can’t Call It That” fuses intense dance floor rhythms with swirling synth tones and the characteristic sound of the TB-303; the structure of the piece focuses on the way the main beat interacts with the changing electronic textures, which is what gives the song its direct, club-oriented nature. “Static” follows a more unusual path, the duo increasing the “wonk factor” by using quick 808 and 909 beats under a sharp acid line. Just like the first two tracks, both originals stress rhythm and sounds produced by hardware, thus capturing the energetic character that is present throughout the EP.
The release is extended by three remixes without departing from its focus on the dancefloor. Terry Francis provides a deep and rolling tech-house version which is appropriate for late-night sets, whereas Rob Pearson adopts a more concise and stripped-back method with a stronger emphasis on rhythm and groove. GUMR contributes a bouncy and driving rework inspired by Brett Johnson’s style of tech house. The various versions add diversity, as each producer interprets the original track in a different way yet maintains its link to underground house culture.
You Can’t Call It That combines the wild character of acid house with the rhythmic energy of current tech house; the EP has a definite identity because it includes two original tracks and three remixes, which also enable various aspects of the sound to appear over the five songs. The early support it received from underground DJs and radio stations such as Colin Dale, together with the praise it got from DJ Times and Point Blank DAB, shows how well the release was received in the scene. Acid Cats present a well-focused club selection based on acid lines, strong beats, and their own particular style of remixing.
