Sextet

Sextet captures A Certain Ratio at a moment of confident expansion. Released in January 1982, the band’s third studio album marked a new chapter, with the group stepping away from Martin Hannett’s production to carve out a broader, more rhythm-forward sound. The result is an album that feels purposeful, immersive and quietly adventurous, one that deepens their post-punk foundations rather than abandoning them.

There is a striking sense of space throughout Sextet. The record moves with a measured assurance, blending taut funk rhythms with post-punk restraint and subtle global influences. It is music that invites close listening, revealing its layers gradually, while maintaining a steady, physical pulse. Martha Tilson’s vocals bring a lighter, more soulful dimension, adding warmth and lift without diluting the band’s trademark tension.

The album’s success on the UK Independent Albums Chart, where it spent eleven weeks and reached number one, reflects how fully realised this evolution felt at the time. Sextet balances atmosphere and movement with rare confidence, sounding neither indulgent nor cautious. Its grooves are disciplined, its moods carefully shaped, and its identity unmistakably its own.

Often cited as a defining moment in A Certain Ratio’s catalogue, Sextet stands as a record that rewards repeat listens. It is both cerebral and physical, refined yet restless, and remains a compelling example of how post-punk could stretch itself into new rhythmic and emotional territory without losing its edge. It is a selection that embodies curiosity, craft and enduring influence.