A Certain Ratio

Formed in Manchester in 1977, A Certain Ratio (ACR) became a cornerstone of the Factory Records roster, famously described as the band Tony Wilson believed would be bigger than Joy Division. Their sound identity is defined by 'punk-funk,' a term they helped pioneer alongside acts like 23 Skidoo and The Pop Group.

Musically, they are characterized by Jez Kerr's prominent, driving basslines, Donald Johnson's precise drumming, and the unusual inclusion of brass and Latin percussion within a post-punk framework. Their early work was heavily shaped by producer Martin Hannett, who applied his signature cavernous reverb and spatial isolation to their rhythmic experiments. Over decades, the band evolved from the dark, 'tribal' atmosphere of 'To Each...' toward a more sophisticated, jazz-influenced dance sound on 'Sextet.' Despite various hiatuses, their 21st-century output on Mute Records shows a remarkable retention of their rhythmic DNA, blending contemporary electronic textures with their foundational groove. They remain a critical link between industrial Manchester and the New York no-wave/disco scene of the early 1980s.