The Unthanks

“I’m glad to be around at the same time as them” Martin Freeman

"The Unthanks seem to regard folk music the same way Miles Davis regarded jazz: as a launch pad for exploring the wider possibilities.” Uncut

‘Intimate, epic, overflowing with feeling and musical intelligence’ The Independent  

Nominated for the Mercury Music Prize and the only British folk representation in The Guardian’s and Uncut’s best albums of last decade (worldwide, all genres), The Unthanks have an army of notable fans, including Martin Freeman, Elvis Costello, Colin Firth, Robert Wyatt, Rosanne Cash, Dawn French, Al Murray, Ade Edmondson, Matt Lucas, Stephen Mangan, Paul Morley, Martin Hayes, Ryan Adams, Ben Folds, Ewan McGregor and Nick Hornby.  

The Unthanks is a family affair for Tyneside sisters Rachel and Becky Unthank, with Rachel married to pianist, producer, arranger and composer, Adrian McNally. Using the traditional music of the North East of England as a starting point and predominant song source, the influence of Steve Reich, Miles Davis, Sufjan Stevens, Robert Wyatt, Antony & The Johnsons, King Crimson and Tom Waits can be heard in the band’s 7 albums to date.  

Since releasing three project albums in one year back in 2012, The Unthanks have been hiding away in Northumberland, quietly working away on an ambitious follow-up to 2011’s Last. Who knows how rich, imaginative and groundbreaking their new album will be, released to coincide with this tour, and to be brought to life on stage with a talented 10 piece band.