A Certain Ratio
To Each

In the wave of British bands following the punk movement, A Certain Ratio immediately stood out as one of the most talented and original. Their trademark undoubtedly lies in the rhythm section, consisting of an afro-jazz-punk drum and powerful, deep bass lines, clearly funk-inspired. This is all spiced up with alienating electronic gusts, dissonant trumpet roars, and the dark, cavernous voice of Simon Topping, perhaps the only one who can be likened to Ian Curtis's tone. The result was a truly overwhelming, compelling sound, but also intellectual and technocratic.

After a handful of singles, they debuted in 1981 with this album, a real cult classic for genre lovers, one of the best British debut albums.
"To Each" is indeed a wonderful mix of influences, loaded with a warm sound thanks to injections of tribalism, nervous and inconsistent, that sometimes becomes cerebral and cryptic due to the electronics.
Experimentation and danceability blend beautifully in "Back To The Start", a nearly 8-minute percussive jam. The drums have fun with their sudden rhythm changes in the following "The Fox", truly irresistible with its Caribbean touches. And what to say about the exhausting voyage through polyrhythms in the conclusive "Winter Hill"? Thirteen minutes of throbbing hypnosis, an exciting journey towards a trance-dance populated by aborigines in the throes of purification rituals.

In reality, all the tracks of this splendid record should be mentioned, as it has no dips in tone, and should be enjoyed in its entirety to receive the proper tribute.
Unmissable.