Belgium's Marine came together in 1980 under the leadership of vocalist and brass player Marc Demarais, drawing from the dance-oriented wing of post-punk. The remaining lineup consisted of ex-Mad Virgins players: bassist Steph, drummer Robby, and guitarists Nico and Chris. Sarah Osborne, previously of Repetition, later stepped in as the group's singer.
Following their debut performance, Demarais recalled receiving approaches from multiple record labels along with a proposal for a television sitcom centered on the band. The musicians declined every offer and instead put out their debut single, "Life in Reverse," on Crepuscule in 1981. Minimalist composer Wim Mertens handled production duties, and the track climbed to the Top Ten of NME's independent chart.
Marine contributed to a pair of compilations yet never completed a full-length album. Internal friction between Demarais and the guitarists prompted an early-1982 dissolution. Demarais subsequently issued two posthumous singles. Most of the departing members joined the funk-oriented Allez Allez, while Demarais took the vocalist role in the more prolific and enduring La Muerte.
