Thoughtful minimalists to tour.

After a four-year absence from the road, Wire have announced a series of concerts across Europe this spring. The shows will be their first excursion since the 2004 Benicassim Festival, and follow in the wake of the release of last year’s excellent ‘Read & Burn - 03′ EP. As you can see from the dates listed below, the tour displays a particular affinity with the geometrically pleasing Low Countries (pylons marching across the flat lands, canals, that sort of thing); with Manchester’s Futuresonic Festival the only UK appearance announced thus far.

Wire are currently mixing their as-yet-untitled 11th studio album, due for release later this year. Keep your eyes to the always excellent Pinkflag.com for more information. Those dates, then:

29th April: Stuk, Leuven, Belgium
30th April: Ekko, Utrecht, Netherlands
1st May: 4AD, Diksmuide, Belgium
2nd May: Hedon, Zwolle, Netherlands
3rd May: Futuresonic Festival, Manchester
May 7: Nuits Sonores Festival, Lyon

And here are Wire on the telly, by the looks of the audience playing as a warm-up for Bob Holness’ Blockbusters.