Sunday 13 November 2011

The Unthanks - Last (Video)

When it comes to end of year best of lists there are certain albums that will be so ubiquitous that cynics will begin to challenge the idea that every pundit, journalist and music fan who produces such a list could actually like that album. Surely not everyone thinks the same? Or is it a case that certain more prominent lists influence other lists - to not feature particular critically acclaimed albums would be seen by some as not being on-the-case-enough?

When those lists are produced we’d love to see Last, the fourth LP from The Unthanks crop up on some of them. We fear however that it may be overlooked, partly because the bands traditional folk roots mean that they’re not a group that are seen as ‘cool’ or ‘trendy’ and partly because despite playing many sell out UK shows and Last having dented the UK Top 40 album chart, many people still haven’t heard of them.

If you’re one of those people who still hasn’t the fortune to hear their music, then today is a good time to start. The Unthanks timeless, sad and poignant songs are so stirring, that unless you have a very cold heart you cannot help feel anything but powerful emotions well up inside of you.

With today being remembrance Sunday The Unthanks have uploaded this new animated video for the title track of the album, directed by Nick Murray Willis, which draws on the themes of the day. In true Unthanks style, despite featuring cartoon animals, it’s really quite sad.

“Simple and moving – another Unthanks tearjerker,” someone has written in the comments section on You Tube. How true, how very true.

The Unthanks will release their second album of the year The Songs of Robert Wyatt and Antony and the Johnsons – Live From the Union Chapel (Diversions Vol. 1) on the 28 November and tour to support the record this winter.

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