THE UNTHANKS - The Songs Of Robert Wyatt And Antony & The Johnsons

Kategorie: CD-Reviews | Genre: Singer-Songwriter, Folk/Folkrock | Heft: Jahrgang 2012, eclipsed Nr. 137 / 2-2012 | VÖ-Jahr: 2012 | Wertung: 8/10 | Label: Beggars | Autor: UR


No other young band has a purer reliance on old English folk songs and themes than The Unthanks. At the same time, the Northumberland formation keeps its reading of tradition open. Besides their own songs, cover versions regularly testify to this. Antony Hegarty and Robert Wyatt have a permanent place in the Unthanks repertoire. On "Diversions Vol. 1" the British deepen their homage with the recording of two London concert evenings with songs of the two role models. The fine treatment by the sisters Rachel and Becky and their grandiose band around arranger and pianist Adrian McNally is as expected stylistically confident and sensitive. Instead of being like covers, the acoustic song series seems like the presentation of one's own material. The first half with Hegarty songs like "You Are My Sister" with its focus on the crystal clear duo singing of the sisters sounds especially full and concentrated. The more epic Wyatt half gives the ensemble more leeway - including a clog-step interlude ("Dondestan"). Uncut including intermediate announcements, the natural live double concert is a high-class side piece, especially for fans.

Top track: You Are My Sister

Back to overview