REVIEW BY DESH KAPUR
Tonight, I have the pleasure of reviewing the debut long player by ‘Unthank: Smith’ the musical brainchild of Rachel Unthank (The Unthanks) and Paul Smith (Maximo Park), which has already been receiving great reviews. Unthank Smith is the blending of two musical talents The Unthanks being purveyors of folk songs and Maximo Park indie legends, this should be very interesting indeed.
‘Nowhere and Everywhere’ is due for release on 17th Feb. pre-order here
The album kicks off a cappella with “Captain Bover”, it is what I can only describe as a folky sea shanty and Rachel and Paul’s voices sound amazing especially when they harmonize with each other, it is a great way to start the album and it sucks you in and sets the scene for the rest of the record.
“Nowhere and Everywhere” is in simple terms a collection of traditional folk songs with some new songs inspired by old tales, and the Northeast is their mews, it’s sparse, it lets the songs breathe and allows the stories to be told. Two voices beautifully in sync, poignant and reflective.
The arrangements are delicate and expressive, Finger plucking guitar, minimalist drums, and clarinet, all contributing to the ambience of the whole record
“Nowhere and Everywhere” is just a beautiful record a brilliant blend of musical styles to celebrate the art of telling stories in song.
8/10
TRACK LISTING
1/ CAPTAIN BOVER
2/ THE NATURAL URGE
3/ SEVEN TEARS
4/ O’ MARY WILL YOU GO
5/ WHAT MAKS MAKEMS
6/ RED WINE PROMISES
7/ ROBERT KAY
8/ LORD BATEMAN
9/ HORUMARYE
10/ THE KING
FOLLOW UNTHANK : SMITH
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago and married my childhood sweetheart and life is good.
