THE VOW are a three piece alt-rock/powerpop band first formed in Peterborough England in february of 1997 by Vocalist & Guitarist Paul Cummins and Bassist Rich Mackman.After some months writing and demoing songs, the pair were introduced to Steve Farmer who lived in the nearby town of Oundle- a phenomenal drummer who's rambunctious enthusiasm completed the line-up and cemented an astonishingly powerful union that continues to this day.
Within weeks the band had recorded its first 3-track CD (it featured soon-to-be live favourites Archetype, Childlike, and sprawling alt. metal anti-violence anthem Everyone Is Scared) with gifted producer Andy Hawkins (The Damned, Wildhearts, MC5's Wayne Kramer, Pigeon Detectives and Dead Kennedys) and proceeded to play extensively, and in any situation conceivable, across the UK for the following three years.
The band picked up hundreds of rave fanzine reviews, glowing local press on a regular basis, various support slots (with Midget, China Drum, My Vitriol, and bizarrely enough, ex Jimi Hendrix bassist Noel Redding) and liasons with UK Indie labels (Elemental Records financed the release of an EP in June 1999.) The Vow were featured in Kerrang Magazine's Best New Bands feature in April 2000, and BlueFire Records also released 'One Last Adventure Before Monday' on its classic SnakeBite City Nine album. 'Guitarist' magazine even saw fit to include the track 'Childlike' on it's April 1998 cover CD, stating boldly,"this is one vow we hope will break....."
With the addition of 2nd guitarist Mike Mueller in late 1999, the band continued to play shows through until Sept 2000. But, overworked, burnt out from touring, and in scism with their then manager, The Vow decided it was time for a protracted break, and members took time out to concentrate upon other projects.
Vocalist/Guitarist Paul Cummins took time away from live music for almost two years, studying music production & industry, and writing songs with various collaborators, including London based acoustic artist Anthony Way.
Bassist Rich also plays for The Contrast, signed to New York label Rainbow Quartz, who's 6th Album 'Perfect Disguise.. was released on Febuary 19th, and Drummer Steve Farmer works with Think Floyd, the UK's leading Pink Floyd tribute, touring across England and Europe.
Both Rich & Steve also play for Filthy Lucre, an exceptionally nasty Sex Pistols tribute band.
A recent decision to return to playing live and recording for The Vow has so far yeilded several new demos, and a recently completed brand new EP. The band are also in the process of securing a new publishing deal, and will play strategic gigs over the summer.
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