The Workhouse

**The Workhouse** is a Manchester-based indie folk collective known for their wistful storytelling and atmospheric blend of acoustic textures. Formed in 2015 around the songwriting core of lead vocalist/guitarist Jake Marlow and multi-instrumentalist Elsa Carter, the band crafts music that feels both intimate and expansive, merging folk traditions with subtle Americana and post-rock flourishes. Their recent releases—like the brooding *Cloudy With Sunny Spells* and the road-weary ballad *A Thousand Miles from Home*—showcase their knack for pairing raw, emotional lyrics with lush arrangements built on fiddle, harmonium, and layered harmonies.

Live energy is central to their identity, as heard on *The Coldroom Sessions* (2023), a stripped-back EP capturing their unplugged chemistry. Their songs often explore themes of longing, resilience, and quiet rebellion, earning them a cult following across the UK and Europe. Whether they’re channeling fiery urgency on *Now I Am on Fire* or reflective stillness on *The Sky Still Looks the Same*, The Workhouse remains anchored in Marlow’s gravel-and-honey vocals and Carter’s haunting string work—a sound that’s equally at home in cozy pubs and festival tents.