Description
Sorrows Away often feels like a liberation. Back on the road since the spring, The Unthanks have already been previewing the album live, as an extended 11-piece band, their set hitting peak catharsis with the song “Sorrows Away (Love Is Kind)”, inviting everyone into its gently arcing chorus. For those of us who’ve been lucky enough to see them live (we saw them at Womadelaide several years ago) you know just how stunningly musical & engaging they are. The Unthanks great strengths encompass: impossibly luminous harmonies, great arrangements, sinuous ensemble work and a symphonic sense of scale.
There are many who will revel in this delicious scoop of accessible and enjoyable folk. There is no fustiness here, no shanties or jigs. But the anticipated harmonies are as moving as ever – cutting through 2022’s nonsense to deliver something achingly pure. Whilst the bulk of the album covers classic Unthanks territory – fine musicianship matched by ethereal vocals that simply demand you stop and listen. There is also some change in tempo and tone – “The Old News” is a new composition with an upbeat almost pop-like essence. The entire result echoes with hope, and a joy at being able to sing together, to make music with a group and to generally share.
