Etudes

Tirez Tirez - Etudes [OBJ 013 UK 1980 24-Bit FLAC

]

Today, just listen to "Razorblade" and I then challenge you to find a more charming piece of melancholy rock music that you have likely have never heard before.

Originally out of Kansas City, Missouri Tirez Tirez recorded a couple of very rare self-released new wave albums after tour support slots with Talking Heads in 1978. This prompted a move to New York where Etudes was recorded in the Spring of 1980. Lacking a US deal, the band found the credible Object Music label in Manchester to be willing to release this album.

In essence, Etudes is a post-punk album following on from the two new wave self-released albums and a single, Scattered. Aura Records released the majestic Razorblades as a single in 1981 and licensed Etudes for a limited re-press with unfortunately little impact. Front man Mikel Rowse found sanctuary in Brussels recording some of his solo experimental work for Les Disques Du Crépuscule. The third album Story Of The Year (coming shortly) was released on the Brussels label and the band found a new European audience. 

Tirez Tirez sing sad songs, and this is a delightful melancholy post-punk album which could well appeal to many today. In fact, listening to this record again today after many years on the shelf, I can only imagine that Tirez Tirez may have had an influence on later acts such as Black, The Bible and The Blue Nile.

Enjoy.

A1 Radiation Dance

A2 Razorblade

A3 A Summary

A4 World War

A5 Hair

B1 I'll Be That

B2 West Led The Diamond King

B3 Strike

B4 Vowels

B5 Observation