Skeletal Family online press pack

If you require a physical version of the press pack please contact skeletalfamily@hotmail.com 

:: Skeletal Family Review WGT Leipzig Germany 2005 ::

Skeletal Family are in an odd position these days. Still best known for their 80s incarnation, they're now making a definite move forward. This, of course, is a good thing - sure, the band could've played the retro-nostalgia circuit for a while yet, but let's face it, there's no long-term future in the past. But this does mean that anyone who expects Skeletal Family simply to play all their golden smasheroonies of yesteryear will be disappointed. The band have a new album out, new songs in the set, and they're obviously intent on making a mark in the here and now. The lads tread implacably into position, purposeful as ever. The music cranks up. And then a small tornado hits the stage in the form of vocalist Claire, who leaps and twirls and aims herself at the audience like a glam-punk missile. Skeletal Family have obviously decided to play it fast and furious today, and that's fine by me. The band slam into the songs, whacking out the riffs like cricketers intent on scoring a six with every swing of the bat. 'All My Best Friends' is a big, bad, riff-heavy grind, and - significantly, given Skeletal Family's obvious intention to move forward - gets an enthusiastic reaction from the crowd. That's a good sign. I had wondered how the new material would go down with an audience who, if they know Skeletal Family at all, must surely know them by and large as an 'old band'. But it seems the band's here-and-now reinvention of themselves is working. There aren't even any petulant cries for the old songs, although some of these do make an appearance in the set. 'She Cries Alone' is its usual freaked-out slice of drama, 'Black Ju Ju' a genuine 'Kapow!' moment, as Claire leaps up from the stage as if she's been in training to be a human explosion. The ingredients of the Skeletal Family brew are simple, but they're effective. Masses of energy, a big, scuzzed-up post-punky sound, and songs that hit the spot. That's all you need, really, isn't it?

Reproduced with the kind permission of Uncle Nemesis http://www.starvox.net/crypt/wgt2005/wgt4.htm 

::The Skeletal Family history ::

Formed from the ashes of The Elements (Keighley, West Yorkshire, England). The Skeletal Family began life in December 1982.


Taking their name from a David Bowie track off the Diamond Dogs album, the band quickly gained a sizeable local following, encouraged by this produced a self funded single "Trees"/"Just A Friend" released through the Leeds based Luggage label.

The single quickly gained the attention of Radio One's John Peel, which through regular airings on his late night show saw the single breach the lower regions of the National independent charts.

Due to this radio airplay the band by-passed the usual route of playing the small pub circuit and made their London debut at the Fulham Greyhound to an enthusiastic audience, no doubt bolstered due to the current radio airplay. The gig also received an encouraging reaction from the now defunct national music paper "Sounds", which secured the band other prestigious support slots with Sex Gang Children,  Play Dead, Sisters of Mercy and Spear of Destiny.


Now playing to much larger receptive audiences, the reaction ensured that when released "Burning Oil" reached the top of the UK indie charts, beating The Smiths & New Order in the process. With a now much larger profile and two more Radio One sessions the band played numerous dates around Britain and Europe and proved popular enough to sell out London's then prestigious Marquee club.

Despite previously enduring limited recording budgets, the bands success now enabled them to enlist the services of Cult/Gene Loves Jezebel producer John Brand, relocating to Highland studios Inverness and recording the bands second album "Futile Combat". Aided by Waterboys saxophonist Anthony Thistlewaite and Graham Pleeth on synths, the band achieved a more polished sound, a marked improvement on the previous offering.

Live favourite "Promised Land" was chosen as the first single off the album and on release reached the top three of the National Indie charts. The band topped the year with special guest appearances with Siouxsie & The Banshees at Brixton Academy plus Spear of Destiny London's Lyceum.

By this time tensions within the band were high which culminated in both Anne-Marie and Martin (who joined March Violets vocalist Simon to form The Batfish Boys) leaving.

With a nationwide tour still booked, Anne-Marie rejoined and the band enlisted ex Gene Loves Jezebel drummer Dik on drums. Relationships in the band were still strained and although then tour was a success, Anne-Marie once again departed to form Ghost Dance with Sisters Of Mercy founder Gary Marx, forcing the band to cancel what would have been the band's seventh Radio One session for John Peel.

Shortly afterwards Anne-Marie left again and was replaced by Katrina ( ex Terry Hall, Colourfield ) 

After offers from various companies the band decided to sign with Chrysalis Records, as they seemed to be the most enthusiastic regarding promoting the band. 
The band completed a highly successful German tour before retuning to Britain to record demo's for their forthcoming album with seventies glam rock Sweet' guitarist Andy Scott at the helm. Again disruptions occurred within the ranks causing the band to split the day before the bands first pre recorded TV performance was aired.

What was intended to be a one off re union gig took place at the Leeds Cockpit on the 5th of December 2002 . Interest in the band was such that the reformation became permanent. Having re located to New York Katrina was unable to re join the band and the glam punk tornado  Claire was recruited.  Since then they have played shows throughout Europe including Wave Gotik Treffen - Leipzig Germany twice, Wasted Punk Festival UK, headlined the Dropdead festival in New York and played the internationally famous Slimelight club in London  four times. In addition the band have recorded their first new material for over 15 years culminating in the release of the album 'Sakura'.  

:: Bookings and distribution ::

The Skeletal Family may be booked directly or via www.wod.de

Sakura is distributed in most of Europe including the UK by www.avasonic.de a division of www.omniamedia.de/