Dr. Phibes
The Belgian electronic project behind the New Beat and acid classic Acid Story
Dr Phibes is an electronic music project created by Belgian producer Bruno Sanchioni. Emerging during the late 1980s, the project became associated with Belgium’s influential New Beat movement and the darker, slower electronic sound that connected European club music with the developing acid-house scene.
Released in 1988, Acid Story was one of Sanchioni’s earliest productions. Its stripped-back rhythm, hypnotic melody and instantly recognisable “The Story” vocal helped make it a popular record within Belgian clubs during the height of New Beat.
Sanchioni subsequently became an important figure in European electronic music. He helped create the original version of The Age of Love and later formed the internationally successful trance project B.B.E. with Emmanuel Top and Bruno Quartier. B.B.E. produced influential releases including Seven Days and One Week, Flash and Desire.
Although Dr Phibes released only a limited catalogue, Acid Story developed a lasting underground reputation. Its combination of New Beat, acid and early techno influences has inspired numerous remixes and reissues, preserving the project’s place within Belgian dance-music history.
Vinyl releases
This 35th-anniversary edition celebrates Dr Phibes’ influential 1988 club record Acid Story with four remixes pressed on yellow 12-inch vinyl.
Released by Diki Records under catalogue number DIKI2314, the anniversary package moves the original’s distinctive melody and vocal into a faster, more forceful acid-techno setting. New 2023 interpretations are supplied by D.J.H.S., Manu Kenton and DJ Furax.
The collection is completed by Viper’s established remix, which connects the record’s late-1980s New Beat origins with the harder electronic styles that followed.
Frequently Asked Questions
▶ Who is Dr Phibes?
Dr Phibes is an electronic music project created by Belgian producer Bruno Sanchioni. The project is best known for the influential 1988 New Beat and acid track Acid Story.
▶ What is Acid Story by Dr Phibes?
Acid Story is an electronic club track originally released in 1988. Its slow rhythm, simple hypnotic melody and recognisable “The Story” vocal made it a notable record within the Belgian New Beat movement.
▶ Who is Bruno Sanchioni?
Bruno Sanchioni is a Belgian electronic music producer associated with Dr Phibes, The Age of Love and B.B.E. His work helped shape the development of European New Beat, trance and electronic dance music.
▶ What is included on the Acid Story 35th Anniversary vinyl?
The anniversary edition contains four versions of Acid Story. It features 2023 remixes by D.J.H.S., Manu Kenton and DJ Furax together with Viper’s remix.
▶ Can I buy Dr Phibes’ Acid Story on vinyl?
Yes. The One Collection stocks the 35th-anniversary edition of Acid Story, presented on yellow 12-inch vinyl and released by Diki Records.