Mount The Air is the first studio album by The Unthanks since Last was
released four years ago. The album has been two years in the making and is the
first to be made in their own makeshift studio in Northumberland, set up in an
old granary building.
It is the first Unthanks record to feature writing from all 5 core members,
including debut contributions from both Rachel and Becky Unthank, as well as
continued and more extensive writing from pianist and producer Adrian McNally,
including the opening 10 minute title track. Musically more ambitious than
ever, the Mercury nominated Geordies are still a combination of grounded
tradition and filmic orchestration, but with Mount The Air, they take on
flavours from traditions as diverse as Spain, India, Blue Note and, er,
Trip Hop.
Mount The Air is the work of an act who still believe whole heartedly in the
value of the album as an artform. On very limited resources and makeshift
facilities, they have shown extraordinary commitment and devotion to that
art-form, to create their finest work yet.