The Unthanks: Pioneers of English Folk Music

The Unthanks are an innovative English folk group formed around the core duo of sisters Rachel and Becky Unthank. Hailing from the North East of England, the band has carved a unique path by blending traditional folk song with adventurous arrangements and contemporary influences. Their 2011 album "Last" achieved significant critical acclaim and charted at number 40 on the UK Albums Chart, cementing their status as a major force in the modern folk revival.

Early career

The group initially formed in 2004 under the name Rachel Unthank & The Winterset, releasing their debut album "Cruel Sister" in 2005 on the RabbleRouser Music label. The lineup featured Rachel and Becky alongside pianist Stef Conner and violinist Niopha Keegan. Their early sound was rooted in the stark, unadorned traditions of Northumbria but hinted at a broader musical curiosity that would later define their work.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived with their 2009 Mercury Prize-nominated album "Here's the Tender Coming", released on the EMI-distributed RabbleRouser label. This recognition introduced The Unthanks to a much wider national audience. The subsequent album "Last" in 2011, their first under the shortened name, further solidified their reputation for ambitious, emotionally potent music that respected tradition while boldly reimagining it.

Key tracks

Mount The Air — The sprawling, 10-minute title track from their 2015 album showcases their move into more cinematic, jazz-inflected territory.

Magpie — This haunting rendition of a traditional song from "Here's the Tender Coming" became an early signature piece for the group's atmospheric style.

Last — The poignant title track from their 2011 album highlights their masterful use of harmony and sparse, powerful arrangement.

The King Of Rome — Their celebrated interpretation of this June Tabor song demonstrates their skill in finding and delivering deeply affecting narrative material.

Following their breakthrough, The Unthanks have pursued a fiercely independent and artistically daring course. They have released ambitious projects like 2012's "Songs from the Shipyards" and 2018's double album "Lines", featuring poems by female World War I poets set to music. The band has collaborated with artists including composer Max Richter, producer Adrian McNally (who is also a core band member), and the Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band, showcasing their genre-defying approach. They operate their own label, RabbleRouser Music, maintaining full creative control over their distinctive output.

Fans of The Unthanks often appreciate the work of June Tabor for her profound and authoritative interpretations of traditional song. The vocal harmonies and contemporary folk spirit of The Staves also share common ground with The Unthanks' sound. Listeners drawn to the experimental edge of folk might explore Sam Lee and his unconventional approaches to sourcing and arranging old songs. The innovative arrangements and group dynamic of This Is The Kit offer another compelling parallel in modern folk music.

The music of The Unthanks is a staple on independent music radio stations and specialist folk programs across the UK and beyond. Their recordings frequently feature in the playlists of public radio networks and online radio streams dedicated to acoustic and roots music, appreciated for their depth and artistry.

You can hear the evocative music of The Unthanks on a variety of radio stations featured here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their rich catalog of traditional and original songs through our curated selection of folk and independent music stations.