"Every now and then you come across an album that is not just an excellent listen, but that opens the door on a facet of the music world previously unknown to you.
The Unthanks ‘Last’ is one such record, and I’ll certainly be giving their back catalogue a thorough going-over. Rachel and Becky Unthanks, sisters from England’s North East, were raised amongst a rich folk tradition and are musically classified as ‘contemporary folk’ which would normally have me heading in the other direction.
While it is a very English record and a lot of the subject matter is based around local tales and traditions, the unique vocal performances ensure that this record transcends any genre classification.
The title track is a seven minute gem underpinned by a lilting piano refrain and a snare nestling just behind the beat. The respective voices of the sisters are highlighted beautifully; Rachel’s purer tones against the smokier tones of Becky, as they share verses then join in a gorgeous, swelling harmony.
The sisters regional dialect comes through clearly, particularly in the ‘Queen of Hearts’, a three/four number featuring autoharp and cornet, and the Geordie accent has never sounded more appealing or wistful. Their regional roots are evident in songs such as ‘Gan to the Kye’, and ‘Close the Coalhouse Door’ (about a coalmining disaster), and The Gallowgate Lad, while they choose some interesting covers, namely King Crimson’s ‘Starless’ and Tom Waits’ ‘No-one Knows I’m Gone’.
Find yourself a cold wintry afternoon, stoke the fire, pour yourself a glass of red and let the majesty of this record reveal itself to you."
And check out this awesome, oh-so brief, live performance by the Unthanks at the Imagine Festival in Waterford, Ireland. Quite superb.
The Unthanks from John Loftus | Creative* on Vimeo.
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