Amiable Geordie Rachel, her little sister and their two bandmates have done the near-impossible: they’ve persuaded me trad folk is a good thing. There’s nothing intrinsically innovative about the Winterset; their songs are all folk standards from across the British Isles, with the earnest lyrics and parochial themes that’s typical of the genre, but their performed with such flair and charm that it’s impossible not to fall in love. Both Unthank sisters are blessed with the most amazingly ethereal voices, perfectly complimented by their effervescent cello and piano arrangements and their unassuming, down-to-earth charisma makes them just as likeable as their music. The Lonely Cutter, with its cute tap-dancing interludes and big ol’ audience singalongs was a highlight, as was the marvellous Bleezing Blind Drunk, but it was accapella closer The Shetland Boat Song that really blew me away. One of those rare acts that can open up a genre to non-traditional fans, I cannot recommend them highly enough.
Monday, February 18, 2008
RACHEL UNTHANK AND THE WINTERSET (London Borderline, 08/02/08)
Amiable Geordie Rachel, her little sister and their two bandmates have done the near-impossible: they’ve persuaded me trad folk is a good thing. There’s nothing intrinsically innovative about the Winterset; their songs are all folk standards from across the British Isles, with the earnest lyrics and parochial themes that’s typical of the genre, but their performed with such flair and charm that it’s impossible not to fall in love. Both Unthank sisters are blessed with the most amazingly ethereal voices, perfectly complimented by their effervescent cello and piano arrangements and their unassuming, down-to-earth charisma makes them just as likeable as their music. The Lonely Cutter, with its cute tap-dancing interludes and big ol’ audience singalongs was a highlight, as was the marvellous Bleezing Blind Drunk, but it was accapella closer The Shetland Boat Song that really blew me away. One of those rare acts that can open up a genre to non-traditional fans, I cannot recommend them highly enough.
Amiable Geordie Rachel, her little sister and their two bandmates have done the near-impossible: they’ve persuaded me trad folk is a good thing. There’s nothing intrinsically innovative about the Winterset; their songs are all folk standards from across the British Isles, with the earnest lyrics and parochial themes that’s typical of the genre, but their performed with such flair and charm that it’s impossible not to fall in love. Both Unthank sisters are blessed with the most amazingly ethereal voices, perfectly complimented by their effervescent cello and piano arrangements and their unassuming, down-to-earth charisma makes them just as likeable as their music. The Lonely Cutter, with its cute tap-dancing interludes and big ol’ audience singalongs was a highlight, as was the marvellous Bleezing Blind Drunk, but it was accapella closer The Shetland Boat Song that really blew me away. One of those rare acts that can open up a genre to non-traditional fans, I cannot recommend them highly enough.
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