The Unthanks

British folk group the Unthanks took shape in 2004 under a different name, Rachel Unthank & the Winterset. Formed by sisters Rachel and Becky Unthank, the Winterset released two albums and earned a loyal following in the U.K. before switching monikers in 2009. With a slightly different lineup in place — one that featured Rachel’s husband, pianist Adrian McNally, as well as fiddler Niopha Keegan and guitarist Chris Price — the Unthanks released their debut album, Here’s the Tender Coming, that same year. Here's the Tender Coming made a big splash in Europe, where it was named one of 2009's best releases by Mojo, The Guardian, and Uncut. After touring heavily in support of the album, the Unthanks returned to Rachel and Adrian McNally's Northumberland home to record another batch of songs. The result, Last, was released in spring 2011. The following year saw the release of the group's first live recording, Diversions, Vol. 1: The Songs of Robert Wyatt and Antony & the Johnsons: Live from the Union Chapel, London.