By '91 British producers were borrowing sections of piano from American and Italo house records (and imitating it with their own versions) to create a truly unique style known as piano breakbeat or piano hardcore, or simply E Tunes to some.
This totally homegrown style consisted of a combination of slamming breaks and uplifting piano riffs (see our 1991 Italo House section) which became the precursor to the UK Happy Hardcore movement of late '93/'94 and '95 (again, see subsequent sections).
In this small but beautiful list we will listen to the cream of the genre from the biggest and best labels, but remember, while we've split them up for the sake of clarity, these tunes were generally spun amongst a myriad other styles all in one set. We've just segregated them in order to make the later sections make a bit more sense.
1.Rachel Wallace - Don't Stand In My Way
A simply excellent example of the early UK piano sound and has all the right ingredients, especially that bubbling bassline! Lush!
2.Son'z Of A Loop Da Loop Era - Far Out
Eager beavers will recognise the simply stunning break on this from the DJ Mink track featured back in 1989. It's another Italo/breakbeat crossover of the highest quality. An epic piece of work. PURE FIRE.
3. Manix - Feel Real Good.
Coming straight out of Dollis Hill, Manix and the Reinforced Records collective were about to set the world on fire with their instantly recognisable signature sound, but in 1991 they were making utter slammers like this masterpiece.
4.Liquid - Sweet Harmony
There's not much that can be said about this incredible tune. Lifting the main piano hook from the Ce Ce Rodgers classic, Someday, this has gone down in history as one of the best piano hardcore tracks ever. EVER!
5.The Prodigy - Your Love
One of the ULTIMATE hardcore piano tunes of 1991, this still sounds absolutely immense even now. With those absolutely slamming beats and the stunning piano line, this one rocked the hell out of UK raves in 1991. Stunning.
6.Glide - Alright
Jeepers. The blissful, bouncing energy behind this beautiful slab is infectious. Using the Alex Lee sample (see 1991 - Italo House) to devastating effect, this one had the whole floor rushing! WOOSH!
7. Dream Frequency - Feel So Real
Talk about rush! Yikes! This northern outfit were at the top of the rushing game during the early part of the decade and this shows why. Absolutely top class.
8. Bizarre Inc - Such A Feeling
Back with that light/dark blend of four to the floor then reach up high hardcore, this outfit were simply outstanding and this still makes the hairs on the back of the neck stand up. Sublime!
9. Congress - 40 Miles
Bliss on vinyl! Nothing more to say!
10. Bass Construction - Dance With Power
Finishing off this compact but immaculate mix is this simply divine stomper from the Elicit stable.
Using the uplifting vibe from Italo house and combining them with the breakbeats that were being used elsewhere, this movement was the precursor to the happy hardcore movement of late '93 through '94 and '95.
It was in late '93 early '94 that 'THE SPLIT' occurred, where the divide in styles between the prevailing hardcore/darkside/jungle movement and that of the emerging happy hardcore sound became so great, that ravers and DJs were forced with the decision of either staying with their chosen style, or become lost in the ether and defecting to the emerging trance or hard house scenes, which a lot did to be fair.
The two styles never managed to merge successfully again, and this was a huge milestone in the development of jungle, as it was the reclamation of the breakbeat and the injection of reggae and the Caribbean that birthed jungle.
Why do you need to know that now? Because it was the birth of piano breakbeat that sparked it off. The very first seeds of THE SPLIT were sown here. We just didn't know it at the time.
