Photo Credit James Edmond
Tonight, in King Tuts Glasgow we have the 40th Anniversary tour of Manchester’s finest A Certain Ratio. Formed in 1977 in Flixton, Manchester became part of the Factory Records family before moving on to A&M Records. The band are touring up and down the country bringing their unique sound of Punk, funk and industrial dance to a venue near you. The band featured in the Film “24hr Party People”, where Tony Wilson described them as, “having all the energy of Joy Division but better clothes”A, now a few years older from when they first started, the band are back in Glasgow bringing their funk dub sound to King Tuts.
Tonight, we have a two-band bill featuring Norwich band “Sink Ya Teeth”, playing Electronic / Alternative with passion and emotion, currently out promoting their latest album “Two” and new single “The Hot House”, the duo were the perfect warm up for A Certain Radio with their mix of Alternative dark disco vibes. Great stage presence and vocals making you stop and take notice. The band featuring Maria Uzor and Gemma Cullingford are gearing up for a rather busy 2020, catch them at a venue close to you.
Next up is tonight’s headliners ACR direct from MCR (A Certain Ratio from Manchester), Members are Jeremy Kerr (vocals, bass), Denise Johnson (vocals), Martin Moscrop (guitar), Donald Johnson (drums), Tony Quigley (keys, sax) and Matt Steele (keys). The band took to the stage to a full venue ready to party with the band celebrating 40 years, their unique sound of Dub / funk had the audience in full swing. Tonight’s show was dedicated to a fan that lost his life, Robert Clifford this was announced by Jez (Jeremy Kerr), Funk beats and full of energy the band play through an epic setlist going through their back catalogue.
Featuring tracks “All Night Party”, “Do The Du” & “Flight”, the band played a excellent cover of Taking Heads “House in Motion” that with ACR sound brought the song to life. Standing back and listening to the band play, and the sound they create, you can see why there was so many other bands that followed their style in later years. With the likes of Stereo MC’s, Arcade Fire and M People. Denise Johnson, the voice and soul that would give Heather Small (M People) a run for her money any day. Denise has performed with Primal Scream & Electronic to name a few, her vocals are something to behold on ACR “Wild Party”.
The band crammed on to the small stage in the venue, with Martin Moscrop switching from guitar to drums with Donald Johnson taking over on guitar. You could feel the floor in the venue bouncing with the dub sound created. The fans packed the venue with not an inch of space not being used. The band are back on top form like they were over previous decades.
Highlights of the evening are “Mickey Way”, “27 Forever” & “Good Together”, with sound of Joy Division and New Order coming through Jez’s vocals, lyrics that hold true to this decade. The Band finished off the evening with “Dirty Boy” before fan favourites “Shack Up” & “Si Fir Mir”, a night to remember and the band are on top form celebrating their 40th year Anniversary. The unique use of cow bells, trumpets and Saxophone gives the band a big sound condensed in to a jar then opened to give ACR an unique sound.
The band have currently released ACR BOX a collection of the bands back catalogue well worth purchasing, featuring 54 tracks either on 4 CD or 7 coloured vinyl box set.
Check them out at a venue near you to feel the dub funk with an edge, the 40 year old party band.
