The Squelchy Soul: Deep House Gets Acidic

Deep house, a genre known for its smooth, hypnotic grooves and soulful vocals, has always held a special place in the hearts of house music aficionados. But within this vast sonic landscape lies a subgenre that injects a dose of electric energy - Squelchy House. As the name suggests, this style takes the foundation of deep house and infuses it with the signature "squelch" of the Roland TB-303 bass synthesizer.

The TB-303, a machine originally intended for creating basslines, became an accidental hero when its unconventional design led to a sound unlike any other. Its distorted, squelchy tones became synonymous with acid house, a genre that revolutionized dance music in the late 1980s. Squelchy House, however, doesn't fully embrace the frenetic energy of acid house. Instead, it borrows the TB-303's character, weaving it into the deeper, more atmospheric textures of deep house.

The result is a sound that's both familiar and distinct. The driving, 4/4 kick drum and classic deep house chords remain, but the introduction of the squelchy bass adds a layer of playful tension. Imagine a late-night club where the air hangs thick with anticipation, then erupts in a wave of distorted bass energy, only to return to the smooth, soulful groove moments later. That's the essence of Squelchy House.

Origins and Influences

Tracing the exact origins of Squelchy House is a bit like trying to pinpoint the moment when a spark ignites a fire. It likely emerged sometime in the mid-1990s as producers began to experiment with incorporating acid house elements into deeper soundscapes. Artists like Josh Wink, Hardfloor, and Phuture (the pioneers of acid house) likely played a role in influencing this direction.

However, the true credit for shaping Squelchy House probably belongs to DJs and producers who championed the sound in their sets and productions. Names like Derrick Carter, Frankie Knuckles, and Robert Hood are often associated with this subgenre. These artists weren't afraid to push boundaries, blending the smooth and soulful with the raw and acidic, creating a sound that resonated with a specific audience.

The Anatomy of a Squelchy House Track

Dissecting a Squelchy House track reveals the beautiful interplay between the familiar and the unexpected. Here's what you can typically expect:

• Deep House Foundation: The core elements of deep house remain firmly in place. A driving 4/4 kick drum lays the foundation, joined by classic deep house chords that provide a sense of warmth and progression.

• The Squelchy Star: The TB-303 takes center stage, weaving its distorted, gurgling basslines throughout the track. These lines can be simple and repetitive, or more complex and melodic, adding a layer of playful tension and movement.

• Hypnotic Grooves: Squelchy House often utilizes classic house percussion elements like shakers, hi-hats, and rides to create a hypnotic groove that complements the bass and chords.

• Soulful Touches: Deep house is known for its soulful influences, and Squelchy House doesn't completely abandon this aspect. Vocal samples, soulful chord progressions, or even smooth pads can be incorporated to add depth and emotion to the track.

• Atmospheric Textures: Deep, atmospheric synths and pads often create a sense of space and mystery, adding another layer to the sonic tapestry.

The Allure of Squelch

So, why is the squelchy bass sound so captivating? Part of the appeal lies in its inherent quirkiness. The TB-303 wasn't designed to create such a sound, yet it became a defining element of a genre. This unexpected element adds a touch of playful dissonance to the smooth groove of deep house, making it stand out from the crowd.

Furthermore, the squelch can be incredibly expressive. By tweaking the parameters of the TB-303, producers can create a wide range of sounds, from a subtle growl to a full-blown acid storm. This versatility allows for a dynamic experience, where the squelch can build tension, add a playful groove, or even provide a surprising melodic flourish.

The Scene and Beyond

Squelchy House never quite achieved the mainstream popularity of some other house subgenres. However, it developed a dedicated following among underground house heads and DJs who appreciated its unique blend of deep grooves and acidic energy. Clubs that championed a deeper, more introspective house sound became breeding grounds for Squelchy House.

In recent years, there's been a resurgence of interest in classic house music, leading to a renewed appreciation for subgenres like Squelchy House. Producers continue to explore this sound, incorporating it into their own productions and keeping the spirit of squelch alive.

The Enduring Legacy of Squelch

 Artists like Peggy Gou, KiNK, and Daniel Avery have all been known to incorporate elements of Squelchy House into their sets and productions, showcasing the subgenre's enduring appeal.

Beyond the Club: Squelchy House for Home Listening

While Squelchy House thrives in the pulsating energy of a club environment, its appeal extends beyond the dance floor. The genre's ability to create a hypnotic groove paired with a sense of sonic exploration makes it perfect for home listening as well. Whether you're winding down after a long day or looking for a soundtrack for a focused creative session, Squelchy House offers a unique sonic experience that can transport you.

Exploring Squelchy House: A Beginner's Guide

If you're curious to delve deeper into the world of Squelchy House, here's a starting point:

• Classic Tracks: - "Acid Trax" by Phuture: Considered the quintessential acid house track, it showcases the raw power of the TB-303. - "Can You Feel It?" by Larry Heard (Mr. Fingers): This track demonstrates how a soulful vocal sample can co-exist with a squelchy bassline. - "Pump Up The Jam" by Technotronic (although not strictly deep house, this track's use of the TB-303 highlights its mainstream appeal).

• Modern Masters: - Peggy Gou: Known for her playful and energetic sets, Gou often incorporates elements of Squelchy House. - KiNK: This Bulgarian live act is a master of improvisation, and his sets frequently explore the acidic side of house music. - Daniel Avery: A DJ and producer known for his genre-bending sets, Avery sometimes injects a dose of squelch into his deep house explorations.

• Essential Labels: - Traxx Records: This Chicago-based label played a pivotal role in the development of acid house. - Warp Records: While known for more experimental electronic music, Warp has released some fantastic Squelchy House tracks over the years. - Moodmusic: This French label champions a deeper, more atmospheric house sound, often featuring squelchy elements.

The Future of Squelch

Squelchy House may not dominate the charts, but its unique sonic identity ensures its continued existence. As producers continue to experiment and push boundaries, the genre will likely evolve, incorporating new influences while retaining its core elements. Here are some potential future directions for Squelchy House:

• Fusion with Other Genres: The squelchy bass could be integrated into other electronic subgenres, creating exciting new soundscapes.

• Technological Advancements: New software and hardware synthesizers might offer fresh ways to manipulate the squelch sound.

• Focus on Live Performance: As live electronic acts gain popularity, Squelchy House could find a new home in improvised sets and experimental performances.

Ultimately, the future of Squelchy House lies in the hands of producers, DJs, and listeners who appreciate its unique blend of deep grooves and playful acidity. As long as there's a desire for music that challenges expectations and pushes boundaries, the squelch will continue to pulsate through the veins of electronic music.

Conclusion

Squelchy House might not be for everyone, but for those who appreciate its quirky charm and hypnotic grooves, it offers a truly unique listening experience. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most captivating sounds come from unexpected places, and a little bit of squelch can go a long way in creating a truly memorable track. So, the next time you're looking for something different, delve into the world of Squelchy House and let the squelch take you on a journey.