The Unthanks

Sisters Rachel and Becky Unthank and their talented band of friends and family have had a varied career, steadily taking the traditional tones of Northumbrian folk and stretching that template elegantly. A near-sold-out Dome show perfectly encapsulated this distinctive take on a sometimes-staid genre with smoky jazz and almost trip-hop dalliances beside unlikely Robert Wyatt, Antony and the Johnsons and King Crimson covers. With eccentric Scottish accordion player Tim Dalling’s ‘menacing jigs’ in support, as well as bouts of irresistible clog dancing thrown in for good measure, this polished set showcased recent album ‘Mount The Air’ beautifully.

Brighton Dome Concert Hall, 4 March 2015

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