A Certain Ratio is a seminal band in the post-punk and funk genre, known for their innovative fusion of punk, funk, and dance music. If you’re a fan of their unique sound, here are 18 other bands and artists that you might enjoy exploring.
1. Gang of Four
Gang of Four is a British post-punk band noted for their sharp political lyrics and funky, danceable rhythms. Their debut album, Entertainment!, features hits like “Damaged Goods” and “At Home He’s a Tourist.”
2. Talking Heads
Talking Heads blended punk, funk, and world music to create an eclectic sound. Albums like Remain in Light and Speaking in Tongues include popular tracks such as “Once in a Lifetime” and “Burning Down the House.”
3. Liquid Liquid
Liquid Liquid is known for their minimalist, groove-driven sound. Their EP Optimo includes the influential track “Cavern,” which has been widely sampled and remains a dance classic.
4. The Pop Group
The Pop Group combines punk’s raw energy with funk’s rhythmic complexity. Their album Y features tracks like “She Is Beyond Good and Evil” and “We Are All Prostitutes.”
5. ESG
ESG, or Emerald, Sapphire & Gold, are pioneers of the dance-punk genre. Their minimalist, funky tracks like “Moody” and “Dance” have influenced countless artists across various genres.
6. Public Image Ltd.
Fronted by former Sex Pistols singer John Lydon, Public Image Ltd. (PiL) blends punk with dub and funk influences. Their album Metal Box includes standout tracks like “Albatross” and “Swan Lake.”
7. The Slits
The Slits were one of the first all-female punk bands, known for their reggae and funk-infused sound. Their debut album Cut features tracks like “Typical Girls” and “Instant Hit.”
8. Material
Material, led by bassist Bill Laswell, is known for their experimental fusion of funk, jazz, and rock. Albums like Memory Serves and One Down include tracks such as “Memory Serves” and “I’m the One.”
9. Bush Tetras
Bush Tetras are a post-punk band with a strong funk influence. Their song “Too Many Creeps” became an underground hit and remains a staple of their live performances.
10. James Chance and the Contortions
James Chance and the Contortions are known for their aggressive blend of punk and funk, often referred to as
o wave.” Their album Buy includes tracks like “Contort Yourself” and “I Can’t Stand Myself.\
11. The Fall
The Fall, led by the enigmatic Mark E. Smith, are known for their prolific output and unique blend of punk, post-punk, and funk. Albums like Hex Enduction Hour feature tracks such as “Hip Priest” and “The Classical.”
12. Shriekback
Shriekback combines post-punk with funk and electronic elements. Their album Oil & Gold includes popular tracks like “Nemesis” and “Faded Flowers.”
13. Au Pairs
Au Pairs are a British post-punk band known for their feminist lyrics and funky rhythms. Their debut album Playing with a Different Sex features tracks like “It’s Obvious” and “We’re So Cool.”
14. The Raincoats
The Raincoats blend punk with experimental and funk influences. Their self-titled debut album includes tracks like “Fairytale in the Supermarket” and “In Love.”
15. Delta 5
Delta 5 are known for their danceable post-punk sound and dual bass lines. Their single “Mind Your Own Business” remains a post-punk anthem.
16. Maximum Joy
Maximum Joy combines punk, funk, and reggae to create a unique, danceable sound. Their album Station M.X.J.Y. features tracks like “Stretch” and “Silent Street/Silent Dub.”
17. Pigbag
Pigbag is known for their energetic, brass-heavy funk sound. Their hit single “Papa’s Got a Brand New Pigbag” became a dance floor favorite in the early ’80s.
18. A Certain Ratio
To revisit the unique sound of A Certain Ratio, check out their albums like To Each… and Sextet, which feature tracks such as “Shack Up” and “Knife Slits Water.”
