Tirez Tirez
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Founder | Mikel Rouse |
| Defunct | 1988 |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
Key people | Mikel Rouse |
| Products | Rock music albums and singles |
Tirez Tirez was an American rock ensemble spearheaded by composer and performer Mikel Rouse, who remained its only permanent member throughout its existence. Operating between 1978 and 1988, the band merged elements of new wave and art rock, heavily influenced by minimalist music.
Formation and initial period (1978–83)
Originating from Missouri, Mikel Rouse established Tirez Tirez, which made its first appearance in 1978 as the opening act for Talking Heads in Kansas City, Missouri. The founding members included Rouse (vocals/guitar), Rob Shepperson (drums), and Jeff Burk (bass).
Early in their career, the group independently released two scarce LPs: No Double Bagging Necessary (1978) and Rush & Dissonance (1979). Following their move to New York City in 1979, they independently issued their debut single "Scattered"/"Scenery" in November of that year.
Their third studio album, Etudes (1980), was recorded in New York but initially lacked distribution in the United States. It was first launched by the UK independent label Object Music, where it sold approximately 2,000 copies. Later, US indie label Aura Records released it domestically in late 1981 along with the single "Razorblades."
In 1982, James Bergman replaced bassist Burk, who departed the band. Keyboardist and woodwind player Philip Johnston also joined at this time. This lineup recorded 1983's Story Of The Year, which was issued solely in Europe through Belgian label Les Disques Du Crépuscule.
Although Burk left the performing lineup, he continued to create artwork for Tirez Tirez releases after 1982. Similarly, original drummer Shepperson contributed artwork following his departure in early 1984.
Emergence of Broken Consort (1984–85)
Beginning in 1984, Rouse initiated recordings with his minimalist instrumental ensemble known as Broken Consort. From that point forward, Tirez Tirez and Broken Consort often shared personnel but maintained separate musical catalogs. The album Jade Tiger (1984), credited to "Mikel Rouse Broken Consort," featured the same musicians who performed on Tirez Tirez's Story Of The Year.
During that year, Tirez Tirez released a Europe-exclusive non-album 12" single titled "Under The Door" / "Sleep," with Rouse handling most instruments and Blaine L. Reininger contributing violin and bass programming on the A-side. In 1985, bassist Bergman rejoined for Broken Consort's LP A Walk In The Woods. Additionally, Rouse and Bergman, along with saxophonist Ellery Eskelin, recorded A Lincoln Portrait in 1985, which saw release in 1988.
Major label period and dissolution (1986–93)
In 1986, now reduced to a duo consisting of Rouse and Bergman, Tirez Tirez issued the non-album 12" single "Set The Timer" / "Uptight" via Sire Records, marking their first US release in five years and debut distribution through a major label.
Soon after, they secured a contract with IRS Records. Their fifth studio album, Social Responsibility (1987), featured Rouse performing all instruments except bass. For touring and their final studio effort Against All Flags (1988), the band expanded into a five-piece comprising Rouse (vocals/guitar), Bergman (bass), Bill Tesar (drums), Rave Tesar (keyboards), and Mark Lampariello (guitar).
According to information on Rouse’s official website, an additional Tirez Tirez album was recorded after 1988 but never released. Over subsequent years, Rouse gradually phased out the band while continuing to collaborate with many of its former members. By 1993, Broken Consort's lineup included former Tirez Tirez members James Bergman, Bill Tesar, Mark Lampariello, as well as non-member Dale Kleps. Although Tirez Tirez was credited in the liner notes of Broken Consort’s 1993 release Soul Menu, both groups disbanded shortly afterward.
Rouse has remained based in New York City and has pursued a solo career since 1994.
Releases attributed to Tirez Tirez
- No Double Bagging Necessary (1978)
- Rush & Dissonance (1979)
- Etudes (1980)
- Story Of The Year (1983)
- Social Responsibility (1987)
- Against All Flags (1988)
Releases attributed to Mikel Rouse Broken Consort
The "Mikel Rouse Broken Consort" project included all Tirez Tirez members collaborating on avant-garde instrumental compositions.
- Jade Tiger (1984)
- A Walk In The Woods (1985)
- A Lincoln Portrait (1988)
- Soul Menu (1993)
Singles
- "Scattered" / "Scenery" (1979)
- "Razorblades" / "Hair" (1981)
- "Under The Door" / "Sleep" (1984)
- "Set The Timer" / "Uptight" (1986)