Ian Squire (aka Horse) (guitar) was in the original line-up.

Daryn Cox (lighting)

Martin, Mark and Chris, Whitstable Assembly Rooms (1995). Photo courtesy of Ali Dilnutt.

More photos

CROW formed from the ashes of previous outfit DOOR MARKED SUMMER. Their rousing brand of Tribal Psychedelic Prog Rock was tempered with a Hardcore/Crust-Punk edge, and evolved to incorporate influences from Dub, Trance and Funk. This was no disjointed clash of styles, the music seemed to naturally flow between different extremes as and when required. The lyrics promoted positivity and spoke of environmental, spiritual and social issues, yet the band were equally happy to let the music do the talking, as about half of their material was instrumental. Some tracks featured didgeridoo, which further enhanced the ethnic/tribal aspect of the band.

The band amassed a large following, regularly playing Folkestone's Leas Cliff Hall both as headline and as support to bands such as GIRLSCHOOL and HERE AND NOW (ex-GONG). CROW gigs became legendary for their stage-shows, incorporating visual elements such as lighting + projection (courtesy of Corvus Lighting), backdrops and stage props, as well as collaborations with the Fire-Jugglers of the Kent Circus School who provided a primal and stirring visual accompaniment to the hypnotic Tribal rhythms. To this day the scent of paraffin takes me back to happier times...

CROW split in 1995 following the departure of Mike Ashbee. The remaining members teamed up with fellow ex-DOOR MARKED SUMMER member Jamie Godman to form the more Hardcore NINE, which later evolved briefly into CHROMOSOME.

There were apparently other related bands/projects at various times, such as SUMMER LOVE SENSATION and CROW NATION, but I never got to see these, so I have no information.

CROW reformed in early 2008, after the death of their former promoter Brian Steele. More information can be found on their MySpace page.

IT - Martin, Daryn
BASIC LOVE - Martin
DOOR MARKED SUMMER - Chris, Martin, Mark
SUMMER LOVE SENSATION - Chris, Martin
TANGLE - Martin, Daryn, Mark
CARPE DIEM - Mark
NINE - Chris, Martin, Mark
CHROMOSOME - Chris, Martin
TEMPLEMER - Chris, Mike
THE ICE CHOIR - Ian