The Unthanks - Troubled Waters

About This Footage

In a dimly lit church hall, the Unthanks' ethereal harmonies waft through the air like wisps of smoke. The year is 2012, and the Northumbrian folk collective is at the height of their powers, having just released their critically acclaimed album "Ricketty Business". But it's not this studio recording that we're concerned with here - rather, a rare live performance of one of their most beloved songs: "Troubled Waters".

Filmed on May 13th, 2012, in Pocklington, England, this clip is more than just a casual audience recording. It's an intimate glimpse into the band's live dynamic, captured with a quiet reverence that belies the emotional intensity of their performance. The camera pans across the small crowd, capturing the rapt attention of each listener as they're transported by the Unthanks' haunting melodies.

At this point in time, the Unthanks were riding high on the success of "Ricketty Business", which had earned them widespread critical acclaim for its innovative blend of traditional folk and modern sensibilities. The album's lead single, "Dive Down Deep", had already begun to make waves in the UK music scene, but it was tracks like "Troubled Waters" that truly showcased the band's unique sonic palette.

This live performance is notable not only because of its rarity - the Unthanks have always been a bit of a secretive bunch when it comes to sharing their live footage - but also because of the specific context in which it was filmed. Pocklington, a small town in East Yorkshire, is far removed from the more obvious folk hubs like London or Manchester. It's a testament to the band's dedication to their craft that they would take their music to such a remote corner of England, where it could be appreciated by a dedicated but perhaps smaller audience.

The Unthanks' sound is characterized by its use of traditional instruments - the fiddle, the accordion, and the concertina - combined with lush vocal harmonies and an unflinching commitment to storytelling through lyrics. "Troubled Waters", in particular, showcases the band's ability to craft songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.

As you watch this clip, you'll be struck by the Unthanks' ability to conjure up a sense of atmosphere and mood with nothing more than their voices and instruments. The song builds slowly, from a gentle murmur to a soaring crescendo, as the band's vocal harmonies intertwine like the threads of a rich tapestry.

The Unthanks have always been a bit of an enigma - a band that defies easy categorization or explanation. But this live performance of "Troubled Waters" offers a glimpse into their unique world, one that is both rooted in tradition and yet utterly modern in its sensibilities. As you watch the band's lead vocalist, Becky Unthank, her voice soaring above the rest as she sings about the turmoil that lies beneath the surface of everyday life, you'll be struck by the power and beauty of this rare live performance.

The camera pans out at the end of the song, capturing the small crowd in a moment of stunned silence. It's a fleeting glimpse into the magic of a live Unthanks performance - one that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.

Curated from public records and music databases.