THE UNTHANKS
Sorrows Away (Rabble Rouser)
With a pre-release tour that has seen The Unthanks hailed as one of the best British live music acts and a wait of seven years since their last full band studio album, Sorrows Away has a lot of hype to live up to. If anything, it exceeds expectations.
With more light and shade than previous albums – which have been as ponderous as they have been pretty – the lengthy and varied songs on this stunning album of art-folk are simply breathtaking. Sisters Becky and Rachel Unthank are able to provide so much genuine drama to their understated delivery of Irish and Northumberland folk songs they almost challenge you to keep listening.
But these exceptional vocal deliveries are matched, if not heightened, by band leader Adrian McNally’s evocative arrangements. He throws everything at the band and they respond with incredible musicality and passion. You won’t find a better, or truer, collection of songs this year.
words JOHN-PAUL DAVIES
