Bentley Rhythm Ace

Updated on Nov 30, 2023

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Also known as BRA Years active 1995–present		Origin Birmingham, England Record labels Skint Records, Parlophone

Website facebook.com/BentleyRhythmAce Members Richard March, Mike Stokes Genres Big beat, Electronica, Electro house, Electronics in rock music Albums For Your Ears Only, Bentley Rhythm Ace, FSUK3 Profiles Myspace

Bentley Rhythm Ace (BRA) are a British electronic music duo formed in Birmingham in 1995, consisting of Mike Stokes and Richard March.

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Career

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The band was formed in Birmingham by Richard March, formerly with the group Pop Will Eat Itself, and Mike Stokes formerly with Bugweed Centipede, with guest appearances by James Atkin, a member of indie band EMF. "Both more or less penniless, they drank in the same pub and were forced to buy their records at the cheapest place possible - car boot sales". Their live drummers were Keith York and Fuzz Townshend, alongside whom March previously played in Pop Will Eat Itself.

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BRA signed on the Brighton based record label Skint and released their eponymous debut album, Bentley Rhythm Ace in 1997, which spawned the popular single "Bentleys Gonna Sort You Out!".

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A second album, For Your Ears Only, was released in 2000 on Parlophone but was less popular. A further single "Madam, Your Carriage Awaits" was released. The group also compiled a two CD FSUK compilation album. In 2004, the Bentleys released a 4-song record with Sophia Lolley called Angel Face.

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The name probably refers to the Rhythm Ace line of analogue drum machines manufactured by Ace Tone, some of which were rebranded and distributed by Bentley Pianos in the UK.

The group epitomises the big beat era. Signed to Skint Records, they enjoyed commercial success with their music being used on television advertisements and having an underground following.

The group split in 2000 after which they played the occasional low-key DJ set. In 2016 the duo reformed and played live sets across the UK at festivals, supporting The Wonder Stuff's December tour and headlining a few of their own shows.