← Back

The First Letter

by Wire

Released: October 29, 1991

Electronic, art punk, alternative dance

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Lineup Change.

The Album

"The First Letter" is the ninth studio album by Wire, released in October 1991 under the name "Wir." This album marked a significant transition for the band as they shifted towards electronic and experimental music, utilizing drum machines and loops extensively. "So and Slow It Grows" was the single released from "The First Letter," reflecting the album's experimental and electronic sound. The name change to "Wir" occurred after drummer Robert Gotobed left the band due to these musical changes.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Apart from "The First Letter," the only other…

The band eventually reformed in 1999 and resumed…

The band eventually reformed in 1999 and resumed releasing new material starting with the EPs "Read & Burn 01" and "Read & Burn 02" in 2002, followed by the album "Send" in 2003.

Start listening here

Essential Tracks

So and Slow It Grows

"So and Slow It Grows" was the single released from "The First Letter," reflecting the album's experimental and electronic sound.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Wire - The First Letter

Open in Albums Gallery

Now

Legacy

Despite the hiatus and changes in musical direction, Wire's continued evolution and experimentation have cemented their legacy as influential figures in the post-punk and alternative rock scenes.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"The First Letter" is the ninth studio album by Wire, released in October 1991 under the name "Wir." This album marked a significant transition for the band as they shifted towards electronic and experimental music, utilizing drum machines and loops extensively. The name change to "Wir" occurred after drummer Robert Gotobed left the band due to these musical changes.

Apart from "The First Letter," the only other releases credited to "Wir" were the single "So and Slow It Grows" and a limited edition two-song EP titled "Vien." Following the album's release, Wire went on an extended hiatus, with their next significant activity being an Erasure remix in 1995. The band eventually reformed in 1999 and resumed releasing new material starting with the EPs "Read & Burn 01" and "Read & Burn 02" in 2002, followed by the album "Send" in 2003.

"So and Slow It Grows" was the single released from "The First Letter," reflecting the album's experimental and electronic sound. Despite the hiatus and changes in musical direction, Wire's continued evolution and experimentation have cemented their legacy as influential figures in the post-punk and alternative rock scenes.