Bleep

Seminal post-punk act A Certain Ratio return reformed and revitalised with their first new album in 12 years. ACR Loco is a dazzling display from a group in their prime, cherry-picking elements from way back in their halcyon days and reviving them for a contemporary listener. Multitudes of sonic ideas fill up opener ‘Friends Around Us’: a driving, kraut-by-house beat, swirling sax and a maniacal slap bass intonation. Clattering, New Order style funk textures inform the likes of ‘Supafreak’ and the sampled swagger of ‘What’s Wrong’, as diva vocals and Fela Kuti-oneness motivate ‘Family’.