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 10/2008

    Thea Gilmore
    – Liejacker

  • reviewed 09/2009

    MALCOLM HOLCOMBE
    For the Mission Baby

  • reviewed 06/2011

    SMALL TOWN SON
    Burning Good Rubber

  • reviewed 03/2008

    Basia Bulat
    Oh My Darling

  • reviewed 03/2008

    The Belleville Outfit
    Wanderin'

  • reviewed 04/2004

    Maggi, Pierce & E.J.
    The Gold Album

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.