The Unthanks: Pioneers of English Folk Music

The Unthanks are an innovative English folk group originally formed in Northumberland. The band, led by sisters Rachel and Becky Unthank, has achieved critical acclaim and commercial success, with their 2011 album Last reaching the UK Top 40 and earning a nomination for the Mercury Prize.

Early career

The core of the group began as Rachel Unthank & the Winterset, releasing their debut album Cruel Sister in 2005. The band, featuring Rachel and pianist Stef Conner, built a reputation for their stark, beautiful arrangements of traditional songs. They rebranded as The Unthanks in 2009 following lineup changes that solidified the central involvement of Rachel and her sister Becky.

Breakthrough

The Unthanks' major breakthrough came with their 2009 album Here's the Tender Coming, released on the EMI-distributed RabbleRouser Music label. This release garnered widespread critical praise and a Mercury Prize nomination, solidifying their status as leading figures in the new folk revival. Their follow-up, Last (2011), entered the UK Albums Chart at number 40, marking their first Top 40 placement.

Key tracks

Magpie — This haunting track from Here's the Tender Coming exemplifies their signature atmospheric sound and intricate vocal harmonies.

Last — The title track from their breakthrough album showcases their ability to blend traditional folk storytelling with contemporary, minimalist arrangement.

Mount The Air — The epic, ten-minute title track from their 2015 album won the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Original Track, demonstrating their ambitious compositional scope.

King of Rome — A standout from Last, this track highlights their talent for finding profound humanity in unusual narratives, here about a lost racing pigeon.

Following their breakthrough, The Unthanks have pursued a boldly eclectic path, collaborating with artists like composer Max Richter and releasing projects centered on the songs of Robert Wyatt and Antony & the Johnsons. They have issued albums on their own RabbleRouser label, including the diversely ambitious Diversions series. Their live performances, often with a ten-piece ensemble, are celebrated for their emotional power and musical sophistication, further cementing their unique position in the UK folk music landscape.

Fans of The Unthanks' innovative approach to traditional music often appreciate the work of Eliza Carthy, another pivotal figure in modern English folk who blends tradition with contemporary energy. The vocal harmony and narrative depth of The Decemberists also resonate with Unthanks listeners, despite the American band's broader indie rock palette. The experimental folk spirit of This Is The Kit shares a similar exploratory approach to songcraft. Lastly, the early work of June Tabor provides a clear lineage of intense, traditional English folk singing that influences The Unthanks' style.

The music of The Unthanks is a staple on specialty folk programs and independent music radio stations that champion acoustic innovation and singer-songwriter depth. Their albums receive regular rotation on curated shows dedicated to modern folk and alternative roots music across the digital radio spectrum.

Listeners can discover the evocative music of The Unthanks through the dedicated folk and eclectic album-focused radio stations featured on our website. Tune in via onairium.com to hear their celebrated tracks and deep cuts as part of our curated programming.