Communique – Dated

Description

Dated is the sole full-length album by the Northern Irish new wave band Communiqué fronted by Brian Houston, independently released on Fad Records in September 1983. The album was recorded and and mixed by John Hesketh at Secret Studio in Belfast, Northern Irland; with Andy Kidd producing.

Communiqué features Brian Houston on lead vocals and lead guitar, Paul Hutchinson on guitar and backing vocals, Mark ‘Mo’ Allison on bass and backing vocals, and Mark Houston on drums and backing vocals.

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “New Song”
A2. “Suzie”
A3. “He’s Got The Answer”
A4. “Never Let You Down (Early Morning Blues)”
A5. “Oh Lord”

Side Two
B1. “City Limits”
B2. “Best Friends”
B3. “Self-Infatuation”
B4. “He Loves You”
B5. “Human Race”

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Communiqué were a Belfast based Christian Rock / New Wave band formed in 1981. Initially a three piece, Brian Houston lead guitar and vocals, his brother Mark on drums and Mark ‘Mo’ Allison on bass and backing vocals. They went by the name Grand Arrival but changed their name to Communique, after Dire Straits 1979 album. Steve Wallace joined on guitar but soon left and the band reverted back to a three piece, until Paul Hutchinson joined on, guitar and backing vocals.

Gigs in school halls and churches followed and they recorded their first demo in Stoney road studios, Belfast in mid 1983 and the following September released an album entitled ‘Dated’ on Fad Records. The band broke up in April 1985.

Brian Houston later fronted the Mighty Fall, a Belfast band that also featured Iain Archer (guitar) and Ken Haddock (sax) and Jonny Quinn (drums). They released a single, ‘Kick It In The Head’ c/w ‘Tonight’ on Good Vibrations Records in 1991.

Brain went on to become a successful singer songwriter releasing a sting of solo recordings in Christian/gospel – folk rock genres. He also fronted The Hudson Taylors in the 2000’s and he is still active today. [spitrecords.co.uk/communique.htm ]