Never Enough Notes e-zine // reviews + interviews + music

After David Thomas Broughton’s controversial support set, The Unthanks were a much needed remedy to ease the tension in the Union Chapel. The 10 piece group, headed up by sisters Rachel and Becky Unthank, opened with a haunting rendition of ‘Sad February’ from their latest album Here’s The Tender Coming. Their breathy vocals mingled in rich, organic harmonies, with a naturalness that can only develop through singing together from childhood.

“Are you in the mood for a tragic love song? Then you’re in the right place”. So said Becky before the delicate and moving ‘Annachie Gordon’, an 8+ minute tale culminating in the heroine, Jeannie, dying of a broken heart hours before her true love Annachie finally arrives home, who then also dies of a broken heart. Uplifting stuff. But in the hands of The Unthanks, each of the numerous verses was spellbinding, and as the story unfolded I found myself captivated by the sisters’ soft, breathy tones and each word drew me deeper and deeper into the almost 200 year old ballad.

The Unthanks are one of a growing number of groups currently breathing new life into traditional folk songs, and the respect they have for these hallowed ballads is evident. But if you think that folk music was the only form of entertainment on the menu tonight then think again! As if their beautiful voices weren’t enough, it turns out that Rachel and Becky are also accomplished clog dancers. On more than one occasion, they treated us to an impressive and exhausting-to-watch display of clogging, proving that traditional skills are definitely alive and kicking today!! (sorry)

The highlight of the set was a folk song that originated in the West Indies. Rachel and Becky performed it a capella, off mic, and the Victorian gothic architecture of Union Chapel enveloped their vocals in a deep, warm ambience. Their ever-changing vocal harmonies were achingly beautiful as they repeated the simple rustic words of this humble song – “John dead. Grey goose gone home, fox in the way of the morning”.

Although Becky and Rachel inevitably drew most of the attention (well, how can anyone resist those golden tones), the rest of the group performed the supportive arrangements with talent and obvious enjoyment. String quartet, trumpet, trombone, acoustic guitar, piano, ukulele and drum kit formed a winning combination, at times subtle, at times powerful, but always in accord with the rise and fall of Rachel and Becky’s vocals.

Here’s The Tender Coming is out now, if you are at all interested in folk music then I strongly suggest you get a copy. Better yet, see them live. Tour dates available here.

By Greg Harradine