By being one of the more prominent Indie / Alternative bands from the early… Read Full Bio ↴By being one of the more prominent Indie / Alternative bands from the early / mid 1980's, Skeletal Family enjoyed relatively major national and international success. From topping the National UK Indie Charts for three weeks in Autumn 1984 with debut album "Burning Oil" (above other contemporary northern bands The Smiths & New Order) to recording seven BBC Radio One sessions for John Peel, Janice Long & Kid Jensen.

Their impressive live show at this time brought them to the attention of The Sisters of Mercy front man Andrew Eldritch, who, after seeing a local performance, invited them as special guests on their 1984 Black October tour. The next two years saw the band gracing the stage with acts such as Siouxsie & The Banshees, Spear Of Destiny & The Mission etc..

Undeterred, following vocalist Anne Hurst's sudden departure in 1985 following the release of their second album "Futile Combat, the band enjoyed greater national chart success with the singles 'Restless' & 'Just A Minute' via signing to Chrysalis Records with new vocalist Katrina Phillips (from ex Specials Terry Hall’s band The Colourfield, single 'Thinking Of You')

This line up of the group disbanded in 1987 but due to the advent of the worldwide web, reissues of earlier studio and compilation albums, along with a rapidly growing resurgence of interest in eighties music & culture the band reformed again in 2002.

Now consisting of original members Stan Greenwood, Roger "Trotwood" Nowell and Ian "Karl Heinz" Taylor, i.e. the main songwriters of the band (all of whom were in the original pre cursor to Skeletal Family from 1979 called The Elements) produced two new original studio albums "Sakura" & "Songs Of Love Hope & Despair" alongside a third release on Jungle Records titled "Day Of All Days"

The band continue to play live to this day, headlining alternative European festivals / events which culminated with an extensive month long USA in 2018 coupled with one off appearances in Brazil and Mexico.

2020 / 2021 saw the band utilising the Covid pandemic to their advantage. Alongside vocalist Anneka Latta and drummer Adrian "Ozzy" Osadzenko the band recorded 19 new songs at Paul Weller's Black Barn Studios, Ripley, UK.

Ten of these tracks have been selected for the bands sixth studio album "Light From The Dark" scheduled for release Spring 2023 via Chapter 22 Records.

Skeletal Family 2023 line up:-
Anneka Latta - Vocals
Stan Greenwood - Guitars
Roger "Trotwood" Nowell - Bass
Ian "Karl Heinz" Taylor - Keyboards / Saxophone
Adrian "Ozzy" Osadzenko

Ritual
Skeletal Family Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Ritual of love
You′re safe and I know you

Give me give me fight
And I won't dig too deep

Your face will know
That your soul is buried by those who know you

Scared cher

Ritual
Lies
Ritual
Disguise
Ritual
Lies
Ritual
Disguise

Well don′t you talk to me
I've been told that you'll listen
Into a chair and don′t worry
Sell your heart

Foul taste in my mouth
Reach out in our presence
Should′ve choked on pills with my ice
But it all tastes of shit

Ritual
Lies
Ritual
Disguise
Ritual
Lies

Ritual
Disguise

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Skeletal Family's "Ritual" seem to be referencing a toxic or dysfunctional relationship, possibly between two lovers. The singer, who is likely the victim in this situation, is aware that their partner is not good for them, but still finds comfort and safety in their company. The line "Give me give me fight, and I won't dig too deep" suggests that the singer is aware that their partner is not fully honest with them, but is willing to overlook it as long as they don't push too hard for the truth.

However, the singer also seems to be aware of the "ritual" that has taken hold in their relationship - a cycle of lies and deceit that they are unable to break free from. The lines "Ritual lies, ritual disguise" are repeated throughout the song, driving home the idea that the couple's pattern of behavior has become ingrained and difficult to escape from. The final line about choking on pills and everything tasting of "shit" suggests that the singer is not in a good place mentally, possibly due to this relationship.

Overall, the lyrics to "Ritual" paint a very bleak picture of a dysfunctional relationship that is taking a toll on the singer's mental health. The repeated references to ritual and disguise suggest a sense of trappedness, as though the couple are unable to break free from their cycle of lies and deceit.

Line by Line Meaning

Ritual of love
A ceremony of love

You're safe and I know you
I know you feel safe with me

Give me give me fight
I want you to challenge me

And I won't dig too deep
I won't go too far to find out what's going on with you

Your face will know
Your expression will show

That your soul is buried by those who know you
Those who are familiar with you have hurt you deeply

Scared cher
Scared dear

Ritual
Ceremony

Lies
Deceit

Disguise
Pretense

Well don't you talk to me
I don't want to hear from you