Ahead of their return to The Tooth & Claw with Dealbreaker and The Skelps, Familiar Enemies talk influences, live shows, and building momentum across the north.
Familiar Enemies are quickly finding their feet in the Highland music scene, bringing a mix of late-90s and early-2000s alternative rock influences into venues across the north. Drawing from everything from grunge and punk through to metal and melodic rock, the band’s sound comes from four very different musical backgrounds that meet somewhere in the middle once they hit the stage.
After a busy run of shows and growing momentum locally, they’re now gearing up for another night at The Tooth & Claw on 16 May alongside Dealbreaker and The Skelps. We caught up with Familiar Enemies to talk about influences, live shows, and where the band is heading next.
You lean into that late-90s and early-2000s alt-rock sound. What is it about that era that still sticks with you, and where does it show up in what you’re writing now?
“I think my fondness for that time likely stems from just being around when a lot of the now legendary bands were getting started or just hitting their peak. I feel like the musicians that still inspire me are ones I found to be honest and vulnerable in their art. I feel that’s probably what shows the most, and being very riff driven likely keeps that element involved as well. I don’t believe it’s a conscious decision, that’s just what tends to come out when I’m writing. And then the guys add their influence and it takes on a new sound that I alone wouldn’t have even thought to pursue.” – Josh
Josh, you started Familiar Enemies back in 2018 and then rebuilt it after moving to the UK. How different does the band feel now compared to that first version?
“When FE was started it was more of a solo venture, I did have friends that were there to help but the direction and effort fell completely on myself. Then life happened and I was completely alone with an albums worth of music and no clue what to do about it. Time passed after the Bands initial release and I moved onto other projects before putting music on the back burner for a long time. But now that FE is in its current state it’s a completely different world. We have a whole new album written and we’re all so passionate about the music we are doing. I think aside from the sound it’s just how uplifting we are to each other, I find myself being overly critical to myself more often than not but I’m lucky to be sharing a musical space with 3 guys that cheer me on and keep me grounded.” – Josh
Between you there’s everything from Nirvana and Deftones through to Green Day and even ceilidh influences in the mix. When you’re writing, how do those actually come together rather than pulling in different directions?
“For me I feel that we are open with each other when it comes to writing which allows us to be open to trying different ideas and honest with each other whenever something isn’t working. And our wide range of influences means that every song is allowed to breath instead of being forced into a specific direction.” – Harry
“I think the fact that we are all able and willing to try different things when working on each song, whilst not being offended if an idea doesn’t work means that we end up with songs that we all love!” – Steve
Rory, you’ve ended up as the one keeping things organised behind the scenes. How much of the band runs through you day to day, and does that ever get in the way of just being a player?
“Running the social media, bookings and organisational aspect is definitely not a walk in the park and is almost a new job itself! It requires a determination and maintenance, especially regarding to trying to grow your audience and try and seek opportunity where you can.
However, I would say it does little to get in the way of my role in the band musically! I love FE wholly and truly and chose to delve into this organisational aspect of my own accord as I was determined to ensure as may people see us as possible and will continue to do so! The passion makes it worth it.” – Rory
You’ve been out playing a run of Highland shows lately. What have those gigs told you about the band, and has anything shifted in how you approach the live set?
“The main thing I’ve learned is that I just love playing with these boys and to blow our own trumpet, we sound fucking good!” – Harry
“Playing live music is and alway’s will be the best thing to do. Big or small venues make no difference, both are amazing. Seeing people enjoy the music is amazing and i’m glad i get to do it with 3 other like minded friends.” – Steve
You’re sharing stages with bands like Iodynes and Burn The Maps. How important is that local circuit in terms of keeping momentum going?
“We love playing live it’s why we do it so playing along side the local and wider scene is vital to keep building the momentum we have already established as we have some big goals we want to achieve.” – Harry
“The local circuit’s massive for us, honestly. Playing alongside bands like iODYNES and Burn The Maps has been an honour and isn’t just about getting on a lineup, it’s about being part of something that’s actually moving. There’s a real sense of community in places like Inverness, where everyone’s kind of pushing in the same direction, even if the sounds are different.
You see other bands such as Reliever, iODYNES, Lucid Liars, etc putting everything into their live shows, releasing new music, building a following, it inspires you to do the same. And at the same time, you’ve got that support network. People show up for each other, share opportunities, and help keep the scene alive.
For us as Familiar Enemies, those gigs are where we’ve grown the most. You’re not just playing to a crowd, you’re building relationships, sharpening your sound, and proving yourselves over and over again. That’s what keeps the momentum real, not just online but in person.” – Rory
You’ve put out live clips like “Mayfly”, which says a lot about where your focus is. When it comes to proper releases, what’s the next step?
“Well we are heading into the studio with Iain McLaughlin from Imount Studios to get some recording done then we are aiming for a full release within the next few months! I won’t say too much but we’ve also hired on an artist to do the artwork for the album and are planning a release performance with some very special guests! I’ve been personally inspired by our peers this year releasing their amazing work.” – Josh
You’ve got a night coming up at The Tooth & Claw on Saturday 16 May, supporting Dealbreaker with The Skelps opening. What should people expect from that lineup, and what kind of night are you aiming to make it?
“Loud guitar riffs, thumping bass, groove drums and soaring vocals. All culminating in one fun rocking night.” – Harry
What comes through most is how much Familiar Enemies has evolved from Josh carrying songs alone into a band shaped equally by everyone involved. The Highlands has clearly played a huge part in that growth, and with recording now underway at IMOUT Studios, the upcoming night at The Tooth & Claw feels like another important step forward rather than just another gig.
