Harp and a monkey

**Harp and a Monkey** are a genre-blending trio from Manchester, England, known for their quirky take on folk traditions. Combining acoustic instruments like harp, melodeon, and glockenspiel with subtle electronic textures, they craft storytelling songs rooted in history, folklore, and everyday life. The band—Martin Purdy, Andy Smith, and Simon Jones—has built a reputation for weaving haunting melodies around themes ranging from forgotten wartime tales (as heard in "The Gallipoli Oak") to modern oddities like "Tupperware and Tinfoil."

Since forming in the 2000s, they’ve released a string of atmospheric albums, including tracks like "Charlie Chaplin" and "Dear Daughter," which showcase their knack for turning local legends and personal narratives into gently experimental folk vignettes. Their live performances, often infused with northern wit and a DIY charm, have made them a cult favorite at UK festivals and folk clubs alike.

Genres

Traditional Folk

Folk

Related Artists

The Unthanks

Eliza Carthy

KT Tunstall

The Proclaimers

Bellowhead

Show Of Hands

Flogging Molly

The Wailers

Frank Turner

The Pogues

The Young'uns

Turin Brakes

Latest Release

The Cruel Ship's Carpenter

Harp and a monkey

Single - Released April 4, 2025