Aligning themselves with the dance-influenced side of post-punk and helmed by singer and brass player Marc Demarais, Belgium’s Marine formed in 1980 with other former members of the Mad Virgins: bassist Steph, drummer Robby, and guitarists Nico and Chris. Singer Sarah Osborne would eventually leave her post in Repetition to join the band. Demarais mused after the band’s first gig that they fielded offers from several labels, in addition to being pitched an offer to take part in a television sitcom of which the band would be the central focus. However, they turned down all apparent offers and issued their first single on Crepuscule in 1981. Produced by minimalist composer Wim Mertens, “Life in Reverse” reached the Top Ten of NME’s independent chart. The band made a couple of appearances on compilations and failed to make a full album, breaking up in early 1982 due to tension between Demarais and the guitarists. A couple of posthumous singles were released by Demarais shortly after the band split. Most of the defectors left for the funky Allez Allez, while Demarais wound up singing for the more-productive and longer-running La Muerte. ~ Andy Kellman

Marine

Marine

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