A Certain Ratio Members, Gear & Sound
English post-punk band
Members
Select a A Certain Ratio band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
A Certain Ratio is a pioneering English band that emerged from the late 1970s punk scene in Manchester. Founded in 1978, the group is known for its ever-evolving sound that defies genre boundaries, incorporating styles from post-punk, funk, and dance-punk to new wave and art rock. The core members, Jez Kerr (bass, vocals), Martin Moscrop (guitar, trumpet), and Donald Johnson (drums, electronics), are multi-instrumentalists who continually push the limits of their musical expression. A Certain Ratio's ethos of constant progression has allowed them to remain influential in the music scene, blending experimental electronica with vintage funk filtered through a distinct Mancunian perspective.
How to Sound Like A Certain Ratio
A Certain Ratio's sound is characterized by its energetic and rhythmic complexity, melding tight bass grooves with eclectic guitar textures and dynamic percussion. Their music often features a danceable yet experimental edge, combining the raw energy of punk with the infectious rhythms of funk. The Music Man Stingray, used by Jez Kerr, delivers the punchy and elastic bass tones that underpin their compositions, while Martin Moscrop's use of the Mesa/Boogie MK III Combo provides the versatile and robust guitar tones that complement the band's diverse soundscapes. Donald Johnson's integration of electronic elements, utilizing tools like the Roland Pad-80 Octapad II, adds a layer of modernity and innovation, ensuring their grooves remain both fresh and timeless. This fusion of analog warmth with electronic innovation creates a vibrant and engaging sonic palette that musicians can draw inspiration from in their quest to capture the group's dynamic and genre-blurring essence.
Discography
To Each
1981
I'd Like to See You Again
1982
Sextet
1982
Force
1986
Good Together
1989
acr:mcr
1990
Up in Downsville
1992
Change the Station
1996
Mind Made Up
2008
The Graveyard And The Ballroom
2017
acr:set
2018
acr:box
2019
ACR Loco
2020
Loco Remezclada
2021
1982
2023
Loco Live at Hope Mill Studios
2023
It All Comes Down to This
2024
Live in America
2025
Get the A Certain Ratio Sound
Want to sound like A Certain Ratio? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
