The Unthanks are contemporary folk royalty in the UK. Led by sisters Rachel and Becky, they and their countless collaborators have reached far and wide from a north east base to fill many halls and venues throughout the land. At the end of 2024, they have struck a significant seasonal note by both releasing a double winter album and touring its entirety. IN WINTER hit the shelves in November, but a record of this essence really comes to the fore on the turn of advent. On its various formats (vinyl, disc and digital), the running time of 19 tracks runs to 72 minutes. Over the course of a brace of 45 minutes sets, the 8-piece onstage ensemble allowed a little time for inter song chat and introductions. The jury was out on the value for money side of a slim set for a pricey outlay, but never in doubt is the quality of arrangement and musicianship on offer.
As you would expect, the presentation was slick and plush. The sound choreography was seamless with brass, strings, percussion and piano all playing a key part. Cementing The Unthanks is the breathtaking vocal acumen of the sisters, excelling in harmony and equally compelling on their own. The lush setting of Birmingham Town Hall, plus an appreciative audience probably filling two-thirds of this 900-seater venue was conducive to hosting an eminent sound interwoven with many facets of a northern hemisphere winter. From a faith angle, familiar chimes of 'O Come All Ye Faithful', 'The Holly and the Ivy' and 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' were primed for innovation or subtly sampled, while folk staples like 'The Snow it Melts the Soonest' and 'Dark December' headed the secular segment.
Carols of many forms prove a backbone to the record with perhaps the pick on disc and live being the refreshingly atmospheric 'Coventry Carol'. A beautifully sung hairs on the arm moment. Original compositions were not left out with the pandemic inspired 'Nurse Emmanuel' accruing much applause for its introduction and playing.
The audience came to life in the final stages with a communal singing of The Unthanks family favourite 'Tar Barrel in Dale' and in line with the album the closing moment of the show was a special parting song 'Dear Companions'. This was a real high.
Music from The Unthanks is stamped with the highest quality mark from beginning to end. The unfiltered experience of listening live added value. Perhaps there was moments of racing through a pre-ordained album listening party with maybe room for a little more stage adaption extending into other areas of a strong back catalogue. It said IN WINTER on the tin and that is what we got. A gig for the moment with a likely fading effect.
