The Unthanks

The Unthanks, led by sisters Rachel and Becky Unthank alongside producer/pianist Adrian McNally, represent the vanguard of English folk's 'modernist traditionalism.' Emerging from Northumberland, they transitioned from the quartet Rachel Unthank & The Winterset into a more expansive, experimental collective.

Their sound identity is defined by a refusal to sentimentalize the past; they treat traditional Northumbrian material with the same rigorous, minimalist respect as 20th-century classical music. Their career is marked by high-concept 'Diversions' - album series focusing on specific subjects like the songs of Molly Drake, the Hull trawler tragedy, or collaborations with brass bands. Critically, they are among the most decorated folk acts of their generation, consistently earning five-star reviews for their ability to bridge the gap between the working-class folk club and the high-art concert hall. They are a primary influence on the 'chamber folk' movement, cited by artists across genres for their uncompromising aesthetic and regional specificity.