Crow (Australian band)
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| Crow | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Sydney, Australia |
| Genre(s) | Rock |
| Years active | 1988– 1999 |
| Label(s) | rooArt Records BMG |
| Associated acts | Peter Fenton |
| Website | [1] |
| Members | |
| Peter Archer (vocals/guitar) Peter Fenton (vocals/guitar) Jim Woff (bass) Richard Andrew (drums) |
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| Former members | |
| Andy Marks (drums) John Fenton (drums) |
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Crow is an Australian rock band that is best known for three albums released in the 90s. Although they received ample critical acclaim, aside from an ARIA best record nomination in 1993, Crow never gained any mainstream success. Founded by songwriters Peter Fenton and Peter Archer in Canberra 1988, they later relocated to Sydney. Crow has continued to enjoy a devoted following in Australia despite ceasing all activity in 1999. In June 2007 they began to play gigs again with the potential open for a new record.
In 1998, respected Australian music magazine, Juice labeled Crow as the 'best band in Australia since The Birthday Party'. Crow had releases on Phantom, Half A Cow, RooArt and BMG and their evocative and influential music is widely acknowledged as leaving an indelible mark upon the Australian musical landscape.
Contents |
[edit] Members
Peter Archer (Guitar and vocals)
Peter Fenton (Guitar and vocals)
Jim Woff (Bass)
Richard Andrew (Drums)
John Fenton (Drums)
Paul Gormack (Bass)
Tina Stephens (Drums)
Andy Marks (Drums)
Michael Christie (Piano & Keyboards)
Chris Abrahams (Piano & Keyboards)
[edit] Early years
From 1988 to 1992 Crow was a notoriously shambolic affair and for many, these years were the most memorable. The excitement of a band who could so easily derail was well worth its ticket. Fueled by nervy personalities, brothers Peter (guitar, vocals) and John (drums) were a combustible combination with bassist Jim Woff and lead guitarist Peter Archer providing sparks. Tracks from their first vinyl 'Sunburnt Throats and Happy Thunderclouds' (Phantom) like the epic 9 minute 'Charlie Horses' and the achingly beautiful 'Sourpuss' echo this claim.
Crow recorded their debut album My Kind of Pain (HAC 19) in Chicago in 1992 with Steve Albini (Big Black) as producer. The record was subsequently re-mixed by local Tim Whitten before release. It was an album that reflected a more mature sound particularly evident in 'Railhead' and the inventive dual vocals of 'How and Why Wonder'. John Fenton left the band after the Chicago recording and was replaced by Tina Stephens, shortly followed by Andy Marks Lunarcide. Crow supported many touring acts such as The Straightjacket Fits, Pavement, Sebadoh and The Verlaines.
[edit] Later Years
Another Half A Cow release followed with 'Helicon Days' in 1994. The band was then signed by large local label RooArt who released their second album Li-Lo-ing in 1995. Guest musicians included Warren Ellis (Dirty Three) and Chris Abrahams (The Necks). Li-lo-ing was a dynamic album primarily composed of both Archer and Fenton penned songs, from the ethereal Fenton openers "Kilkeel" and "Privelege" the banjo lilt of "Paper Eyes" and wired summer dreamscape of Archer's "Rabbits".
Richard Andrew (The Underground Lovers, Registered Nurse) then replaced Andy Marks on drums. Extensive touring followed alongside bands such as Jeff Buckley.
Peter Archer then moved to Melbourne in 1996 to start a family and to pursue his own song writing vehicle Odette, leaving Crow without one of its real creators. Though the extraordinary talents of Chris Abrahams and Michael Christie were added on keyboards a more stripped back sound evolved and this is very evident on their last player 'Play With Love' in 1998. Though the said album received industry kudos it was not the necessary amount of sales support needed for a major label like BMG. Peter Fenton continued as a solo artist, releasing "In the Lovers Arms" album in 2004.
The band has, since early 2007, reconvened for rehearsals. These culminated in a live performance at Marrickville, NSW, Australia's "Cad Factory" performance space, on Saturday, June 2 2007. During the show - which drew heavily from the band's early work - Peter Fenton indicated that the show was the beginning of renewed band activity. Former drummer Andy Marks' new band, the Child Detectives, debuted before Crow's performance.
[edit] Discography
Sunburnt Throats and Happy Thunderclouds (Phantom)
Ravine/ Confection 7 inch (Phantom)
Crow CD EP (Half A Cow)
My Kind of Pain (Half A Cow)
The Helicon Days (Half A Cow)
Li-lo-ing (RooART)
Play with Love (BMG)
[edit] Albums & Other Releases
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