Back in the late ’80s, when electronic music was still finding its feet in the UK, one track kicked down the door and demanded attention: “House Arrest” by Krush. Released in 1987, it wasn’t just a club favorite—it became a major chart hit and a turning point in the story of UK house music.
The Sound of Something New
Krush was the brainchild of Mark Gamble and Cassius Campbell, with Ruth Joy on vocals. Coming out of Sheffield’s underground scene, they channeled the energy of Chicago house, added their own UK twist, and cooked up something totally fresh.
“House Arrest” had all the ingredients of a dancefloor banger—a pounding drum machine, funky basslines, looped synths, and Joy’s bold, playful vocals. When she delivered the now-iconic line, “We’ve got this house under arrest,” you knew you were in for something special.
Sheffield’s Studio Magic
The track was co-produced by Mark Brydon and Robert Gordon at the legendary FON Studio, a hotbed for UK electronic innovation. They used early sampling tech and a tight, minimal style that felt way ahead of its time.
This wasn’t just dance music—it was a statement. It sounded raw, lean, and completely different from the glossy pop dominating the airwaves.
From Clubs to the Charts
“House Arrest” didn’t stay underground for long. It stormed up the UK Singles Chart, peaking at No. 3 in early 1988, and suddenly, house music was mainstream. Alongside other sample-heavy acts like Bomb the Bass and S’Express, Krush proved that British dance music could go toe-to-toe with its American roots—and win.
The single’s B-side, “Jack’s Back,” was also a favorite in the club scene, with even more experimental beats and jacking rhythms that hardcore fans still swear by.
Lasting Legacy
More than 35 years later, “House Arrest” is still a UK house classic. It helped pave the way for the acid house explosion and the rave movement that followed. It was one of the first times a UK-made house track truly broke through, and its influence echoes in dance music to this day.
Whether you were on the dancefloor in ’87 or just discovering it now, “House Arrest” captures that magical moment when British dance music found its voice—and cranked it up.