Sheffield trio Former Lover play spacious music, assembled from spare fragments of organ, cheap drum machine drums, deadpan female vocals singing of mundane heartbreak and occasional trails of molten guitar. The sparse, homemade aesthetic, exemplified by ‘He Doesn’t Have to Know about You’ and the Nico-ish melodies of ‘Unlust’ from their first release, a yellow cassette split single shared with their favourite band, Nature Set, was borne of the six-month depression fallen into by guitarist and keyboardist Dorian after the disintegration of his previous band, the Long Blondes.

Former Lover came into existence after he saw Myrtle in a pub and liked her fringe – fortunately she could sing as well – and Dan the bassist was added because he’d never played before. The band plays its debut London show at the Old Blue Last on Friday December 9, and Sheffield’s Nether Edge Bowling Club on December 17. A 7” is planned for the new year. We caught up with Dorian to find out what makes him tick.

WHAT'S…

... your worst vice?

Amazon.co.uk.

...your secret talent?

Hmm. Not sure we have any really.

...your best virtue?

Having a stiff upper lip.

…the story behind your name?

The songs are usually about former lovers, or those that would have been if things had turned out differently.

...your favourite sound?

The inside of Phil Spector's head.

...your worst fashion secret?

Don't have a worse fashion moment. It either works or it doesn't.

...your favourite website?

YouTube. So we can watch The Wonder Years.

...the world coming to?

A bitter end.

...the best thing about where you're from?

Sheffield is the UK's best-kept secret. It's so close to the countyside it's beautiful.

...the most sacred of animals?

Whippets. We're from the north, y'know?

...at the top of your shit list?

The Dave channel.

...top of your wish list?

An album release next year.

What are you listening to now?

Young Marble Giants, the best early-80s band.

What are your plans for the future?

Produce, produce. That's the only reason to be an artist.

How would you describe your work?

At a house, a very big house in the country.