THE UNTHANKS

Last

2011-05-11

The Unthanks is a family affair featuring Rachel and Becky Unthank (their real last name) on vocals and Rachel’s husband Adrian McNally on vocals, piano and drums. Chris Price and Niopha Keegan fill out the rest of this Northumberland, UK band.

The Unthanks broke out to critical claim with their album The Bairns in 2007, earning them a Mercury prize nomination.

Comprised mostly of cover songs and reinterpretations of old British folk tunes, the songs carry with them the weight of history and their influences including a great cover of a Tom Waits song off of Alice called “No One Knows I’m gone” (track 6).

Recommended tracks: Queen of Hearts (3), Last (4), Starless (9)

Reviewed by Devon Cunningham

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Folk

  • reviewed 05/2004

    Jim Lauderdale
    Headed for the Hills

  • reviewed 06/2009

    LEVON HELM
    ELECTRIC DIRT

  • reviewed 03/2011

    RON SEXSMITH
    Long Player Late Bloomer

  • reviewed 05/2008

    The Doc Marshalls
    Honest For Once

  • reviewed 10/2008

    ELEANOR MC EVOY
    Love Must Be Tough

  • reviewed 07/2004

    Mutual Admiration Society
    MAS

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.