Rock group morphed from The Accused. A self-described “popadelic/punkadelic” band mixing the ‘60s sound with the punk/new wave sounds of the ‘80s. Mission featured ex-The Accused members Dave Cawkwell (guitar, lead vocals), and Kraig Krixer (lead guitar), with Norm Crouse (bass, vocals), and Colin Michaels (drums -Michael Collins ex-D.C. band Divinity).
Mission played extensively throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Locally they could be seen at the Marble Bar, Cross Street Landing, Max’s on Broadway, Shaefer’s (Towson), Nicky D’s… Opened for the Lords of the New Church at Girard’s. The group also opened shows for the Ventures, Hot Tuna, and others. A double bill at Girard’s featured Mission with the Slickee Boys.
In December 1983 Mission released “The Last Detail” (Frantic Records). The album received much airplay on WCVT, WHFS, and dozens of college radio stations nationally and worldwide. The album charted at number one at least five college stations. Dave Marsh of Rock and Roll Confidential wrote “The Last Detail by Mission is the finest neo-psychedelic album we’ve heard yet!” (March 1984), while Maximum Rock-N-Roll’s July 1984 review called it “haunting, evocative ‘60s influenced… hard edged and atmospheric… worth listening to…”
Krixer retired in the mid-‘80s and the group continued as a trio for a while then later adding Harrison Tate (keyboards). Although no longer an actual member, Krixer continued to do session work for Mission, and When Thunder Comes. In 1994 he formed the band Riff.
Upon realizing the name Mission was being used by several other groups, they decided to become known as When Thunder Comes (the title of their second album).
Cawkwell’s Frantic Records, founded in 1978, released a series of albums featuring various indie Baltimore bands titled “Essential Attitudes.” The Mission song “When Thunder Comes” was included on the first volume (Frantic 003). Frantic Records also released two retrospective CD’s of Mission / When Thunder Comes in 1998 and 2001 titled “Evolution of Thunder.”
Tate also with Catalyst Project.
Also see When Thunder Comes.
1983(LP) Frantic 002 The Last Detail
1986(LP) Frantic 004 When Thunder Comes
1990(CS) Frantic 007 Pride and Passion
