Familiars are Steve Skinley and Rick Morton, based in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, UK. They were both previously in the Bristol-based band Keyop, whose 2000 single ‘We Hate Andrew Song’ had rave reviews in the music press. As well as writing songs for an intended new album, Familiars have also been busy composing commissioned music for dance and fashion shows across the south of England. They will start a programme of live music this summer.

The band take their name from the spirit helpers of witches, who took the form of small animals. They are strongly inspired by things supernatural and strange, and their songs feature subjects such as lost explorers, the last hours of goalkeepers, alien abductions and the love-lorn witch in the song ‘Embers’. Familiars use any instrument or item they can find for their music, ranging from classical guitar to a hamster cage.