Founded by Omar Musisko (vocals, guitar, mandolin, bass, piano, harmonica) and Drew Thams (vocals, guitar, bass, harmonica, violin), of Second Tuesdays and the Otis Turbine, indie folk band the Peripherals released their debut EP As Themselves in 2012.

After adding Dylan Jones on drums, their debut full-length Declarations was released in July 2013. The album features six different guitars, four bass guitars, countless percussion instruments, harps, mandolins, and three-part harmonies.

After the band lost their drummer and lead guitar player, Omar Musisko and Amy Day (the Local) formed a new band called the Spiritual Motels whose debut album was released in November 2019.