Narc. Magazine Online
Reliably informed
Amy Mitchell steps into an evening with a dizzying array of all things folk and folk adjacent with The Unthanks
Image by Amy Mitchell
Described as a proper Friday night out with friends, this new quarterly event was jam-packed, proof of the pulling power of The Unthanks, who have personally curated the line-up. They started the night off with an evocative song (Charlie’s Pigeon) and a welcome chat, and were a supportive presence on stage all evening describing the evening as ‘something they would want to go to’. It was a multi-genre, multi art-form evening with music, singing, spoken word, literature and a bit of dance. First up was Tim Dalling – with an act that defies description, but that turned out to be a surprise favourite with my teenage daughter. Tim performed spoken word/songs accompanying himself on a plethora of instruments – an accordion being my favourite – and with a range of hats “this is a three hat performance” including a Green Man mask/hat that was unforgettable (and self made). He started with a blues song about Scotland and his roots there, and moved on to politics and poetry via Buddhism. There was a real mix of tone, mood, and style of music just within this act, one minute you’d be laughing and the next part would be soft and mournful. He had the audience in the palm of his hand by the end of the act and had really warmed up the crowd with a sing-along. This is the beauty of a variety evening of entertainment – you never know what you are going to experience and you’re likely to find at least one artist that you would never have gone to see or heard of otherwise.
Next up was Fiona Mozley, Yorkshire author of Booker Prize shortlisted novel Elmet interviewed by Becky Unthank. I did feel for her having to follow on from Tim, an unenviable position to be in, and the change of mood did feel a little awkward at first. This is something that I feel will be smoothed out in future iterations of this evening, as the curators get used to the ebb and flow of the acts and how that works with the audience. Fiona was talking about her book, the theatre production that is being created of it (which will feature music from The Unthanks) and she read a section of Elmet which was wonderfully evocative of landscape. After a break for drinks – and clog dancing on the concourse – we were back in the room to listen to the Royal Northern Sinfonia Ensemble playing a string quartet by Finnish composer Rautavaara. It was a treat to be able to experience the fine musicianship in the smaller space of Stage 2, and in much closer quarters than you would normally. The evening was rounded off with a short set from the Franco-British artist Clara Mann sharing the almost-folk and superb songwriting from her debut album Rift. She plays a range of instruments from guitar to piano, and there was a mix of blues/folk/country all delivered in a unique melancholic and carrying voice. The Unthanks delivered us all back to the bar by singing a sea shanty with audience participation. All in all an evening that, as promised, brought inspiration and interest – go along to the next one if you missed this – and take along the family.
