Workhouse - The Sky Still Looks the Same
by Anthony Strutt
published: 22 / 3 / 2014

Label:
Oscarson
Format: 10"
intro
Beautifully packaged and presented ten inch vinyl EP and first release in three years from Oxford/London-based band the Workhouse, who combine indie rock and shoegazing components
'The Sky Still Looks the Same', which has been released on new German label Oscarson in lavishly packaged limited edition 10"vinyl, features the first new material in there years from Oxford/London-based three-piece, the Workhouse. They are now trimmed down to a three-piece, consisting of Chris Taylor (vocals, guitars, bass), Mark Baker (guitars, bass) and Steve Hands (drums, vocals). Originally the Workhouse were largely instrumental, but in recent years and particularly on their 2011 third album 'The Coldroom Sessions' Chris Taylor, who sounds somewhere between Paul Banks of Interpol and Lloyd Cole, has been bringing vocals to most of the songs. Musically they combine early Wedding Present indie roots with shoegazing elements that knit throughout and extend the beauty buried underneath the surface. 'F.N.O.' starts off sounding like a faster version of Joy Division's 'She's Lost Control', before wild guitars kick in screaming into the mix. 'Now I am on Fire' sways like a soul-seaching Kitchens of Distinction, while 'Western Skies', recalls the Chameleons. The closing number 'Seven Stars' is a sheer beauty of instrumentation A stunning release.
Track Listing:-
1 The Sky Still Looks The Same2 F.N.O.
3 Now I Am On Fire
4 Western Skies
5 Seven Stars
6 The Sky Still Looks The Same
7 F.N.O.
8 Now I Am On Fire
9 Western Skies
10 Seven Stars
Band Links:-
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-workhouse-music/204851926241225Label Links:-
https://www.facebook.com/OscarsonLabel/http://www.oscarson-label.de/cms/front_content.php
interviews |
Interview with Mark Baker (2002) |
![]() |
One of the most under-rated of all British post rock bands, the Workhouse have now released 4 singles on 3 different labels. With their debut album, a retrospective, about to come out in America, guitarist Mark Baker talks about the band's 10 year history |
soundcloud
reviews |
The Coldroom Sessions (2012) |
![]() |
Blissful and compelling post rock on third album from North London-based band, the Workhouse |
Flyover (2006) |
The End Of The Pier (2003) |
most viewed articles
current edition
Peter Doherty - Blackheath Halls, Blackheath and Palace Halls, Watford, 18/3/2025 and 21/3/2025Armory Show - Interview with Richard Jobson
Liz Mitchell - Interview
Deb Googe and Cara Tivey - Interview
Lauren Mayberry - Photoscapes
Max Bianco and the BlueHearts - Troubadour, London, 29/3/2025
Maarten Schiethart - Vinyl Stories
Clive Langer - Interview
Sukie Smith - Interview
Kim Wilde - Photoscapes
most viewed reviews
current edition
Davey Woodward - Mumbo in the JumboNigel Stonier - Wolf Notes
Wings - Venus and Mars
Only Child - Holy Ghosts
Kate Daisy Grant and Nick Pynn - Songs For The Trees
Neil Campbell - The Turnaround
Philip Jeays - Victoria
Darkness - Dreams On Toast
Suzanne Vega - Flying With Angels
Charles Ellsworth - Cosmic Cannon Fodder
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart