The second Trop Tard release, Ils Étaient 9 Dans L’Obscurité, continues in the same dark and sorrowful vein as its predecessor, Photodrome, but with a much clearer sound, having been recorded in a small studio. The piercing shards of the simplistic guitar and wicked bursts of electronics complement the ennui of the vocals on this rare record. This album was only availdable to the world in a very limited edition of 700 in LP format.

“Trop tard” is a French term translating to “too late.” It is also the name of one of the darkest and most elusive bands to come out of Europe. For nearly a quarter century the music of Trop Tard was lost to the world, trapped in the icy expanse of mid-80s provincial France. The trio self released Photodrame k7(1987) and Ils Etaient 9 Dans L’Obscurité LP(1988) in extremely limited editions that likely saw little if any distribution outside of their native France. Yet this is one of the true coveted jewels in the crown of the French Cold Wave.   For your listening pleasure (and convenience!)  a digital download code is also included for the entire album.