THE UNTHANKS
The Unthanks take folk music, even in its apparently most traditional of forms, and take it to places new and exciting to deliver a captivating show
Having seen the Wildhearts on Friday and Fat White Family, now for something completely different…
… but first, an apology. I arrive late and miss all of TIM DALLING’S support set. I am told that he is very good and that this is my loss. Ah well, I’ll have to rectify that when and if Mr Dalling makes it back to our fine city.
Over the years, I have fallen in love with THE UNTHANKS’ recorded work - Mount The Air is among my favourite albums - and yet I have never managed to see them live until tonight. This show is, however, a little different from the Unthanks’ recent tours. Tonight sees the Unthank sisters - Rachel and Becky – joined by Niopha Keegan for a set that is completely stripped back to unaccompanied vocals alone. It might not be what I was expecting – when will I learn to read beyond the name of the artist, the venue and the date on gig posters? How did I miss the “unaccompanied” bit? – but it works.
From opener Guard Yer Man Weel through to closer Underneath the Blackthorn Tree, this is a wonderful example of three - very different - voices working in harmony. Between songs, Rachel, Becky and Niopha hold the attention with engaging and amusing vignettes. On the likes of I'm Weary From Lying Alone, Griesly Bride and The Sandgate Dandling Song it is truly captivating. Magpie takes things to another dimension and the singalong Sea Coal gets a great response. If I am honest, having a security guy stomping around is occasionally off-putting and there are times when my attention starts to wander but these distractions are few and far between.
In conclusion, the Unthanks take folk music, even in its apparently most traditional of forms, and take it to places new and exciting to deliver a captivating show. I still want to see a full band performance but, in the meantime, this unaccompanied show is more than satisfying.
