Thanks, Unthanks
In 2010, The Unthanks not only performed the music of Robert Wyatt and Antony & The Johnsons at the Union Chapel in London; they starred at the Northumberland Singing Weekend. Their versatility, curiosity and ability know no boundaries. Speaking of northern England, did you know that Newcastle and Sunderland were second only to London in providing men for Britain's Royal Navy during the French Wars from 1793 to 1806? But instead of sailing joyfully into the Battle of Trafalgar, many of the northern English recruits violently resisted the call to arms and so had to be press ganged into service. Before being distributed to the various warships, the men were assembled on so-called pressing tenders, which were, essentially, floating prisons.
So, when The Unthanks sing "Here's the Tender Coming" it's got nothing to do with tenderness, or Christmas or goodwill to all men in the New Year. But this is marvellous singing, poignant history and transcendent music. Thanks, Unthanks.
