Sorrows Away

Sorrows Away marks a significant tonal shift in The Unthanks' discography, moving away from the stark minimalism of their 'Diversions' series toward a more robust, 'Big Band' chamber folk sound. Released in 2022 after a period of relative quiet for the group, the album title serves as a mission statement: a conscious effort to find joy and resilience in traditional song. The record features their most ambitious arrangements to date, often blurring the lines between folk, classical, and progressive rock. Critically, it was hailed as a career high-point, earning five stars from the Financial Times and widespread praise for its ability to modernize traditional material without losing its soul. The album is anchored by long-form pieces like 'The Sandgate Dandling Song' and the title track, which showcase the band's ability to sustain tension and release over nearly ten-minute runtimes. It solidifies their position as the premier architects of modern English folk.