The Unthanks have revealed their new video for Mount the Air, the title track of their new album and the first single to be released from it – an arresting revision of the ten minute opening piece.
Becky and Rachel have always bloomed when channelling their energy and innovation in unique ways, something which seems a natural course for them to follow. Their Diversions with the songs of Robert Wyatt and Antony and the Johnsons gave us a great taste of the great musical sparks they can create. Songs from the Shipyards (Diversions Vol 3) was equally compelling and moving in unexpected ways bringing to life a Tyneside Cinema commissioned film tracing the story of shipbuilding. They again touched on their North Eastern industrial roots with their Brighouse and Rastrick Brass band collaboration, a union of two entirely separate musical worlds that worked incredibly well.
The first taste of Mount the Air is no exception, jazz standards abound adding colour and warmth and when they sing in unison the hairs on my neck stand, this is really quite breathtaking. Written by Unthanks pianist and producer, Adrian McNally, the single is based on the themes of a one-verse traditional ditty, found in a book of Dorset songs in Cecil Sharp House by Becky Unthank, who also co-wrote some of the new words alongside McNally. The video to the track is made by acclaimed animator Nick Murray Willis, whose work with the band on their previous single ‘Last’, earned him a place on the BAFTA judging panel.
It’s also great to see them strike the floor with clogs in continued independence as Mount The Air will be released on their own label, RabbleRouser Music, on 9th Feb 2015.
Also, if you buy direct from The Unthanks you get more!
Click here to pre-order from The Unthanks direct
Mount The Air (Single Version) is released 8th Dec 2014.
Mount the Air Tour
21 Feb Southampton Turner Sims
22 Feb Exeter Corn Exchange
24 Feb Yeovil Octagon Theatre
25 Feb Bristol Colston Hall
26 Feb Cardiff St George’s Hall
27 Feb Nottingham Albert Hall
28 Feb Sheffield City Hall
01 Mar Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
03 Mar Bury St Edmunds The Apex
04 Mar Brighton Dome
05 Mar Ashford Revelation St Mary’s
06 Mar Norwich Open
07 Mar London The Roundhouse
08 Mar Warwick Arts Centre
10 Mar Leeds Irish Centre
11 Mar Manchester The Ritz
12 Mar Dublin National Concert Hall
13 Mar Belfast Empire
14 Mar Newcastle City Hall
19 Mar Middlesbrough Town Hall
20 Mar Edinburgh Queens Hall