What makes Mount the Air by The Unthanks notable?

Mount the Air received critical acclaim upon its release, being nominated for Best Album at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and praised for its innovative approach to traditional music. The album's unique blend of original compositions and reinterpretations contributed to a renewed interest in folk music within the UK and beyond. Upon the release of Mount the Air, The Unthanks were solidifying their place in the modern folk scene after gaining recognition with their previous album, Diversions Vol. 1, in 2014. This album marked a continuation of their artistic evolution, showcasing a more ambitious sound that reflects their deep roots in traditional folk while also embracing modern influences.

How many songs are on Mount the Air?

Mount the Air has 11 tracks, running approximately 61 minutes.

Mount the Air

The Unthanks · 2015

61 min · 11 tracks · traditional folk music

Ethereal harmonies blend with delicate instrumentation, creating a hauntingly beautiful tapestry of traditional folk and contemporary storytelling.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Mount the Air — The title track serves as an expansive introduction to the album's themes, weaving intricate vocal harmonies with atmospheric instrumentation that sets the tone for the entire project.
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Died for Love — This track exemplifies the group's ability to reinterpret classic folk tales, using poignant storytelling combined with emotive melodies that linger long after listening.
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Foundling — A standout piece reflecting personal narratives and emotional depth, it showcases the duo's vocal prowess alongside rich instrumental arrangements that enhance its lyrical weight.
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Last Lullaby — With its soothing melodies and gentle harmonies, this track encapsulates the album's reflective nature and demonstrates The Unthanks' skill in crafting intimate moments through music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The Unthanks blend traditional and contemporary elements effectively, resulting in a distinctive and cohesive folk album.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features layered vocal harmonies, setting a haunting tone that persists throughout.
Several tracks incorporate traditional folk instruments like the violin and accordion, creating a rich, textured soundscape.
The pacing varies significantly; tracks like 'Madam' maintain a steady tempo while others like 'Last Lullaby' slow down to create moments of reflection.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Mount the Air 10:34
2 Madam 4:56
3 Died for Love 3:50
4 Flutter 3:38
5 Magpie 5:07
6 Foundling 10:52
7 Last Lullaby 5:58
8 Hawthorn 4:24
9 For Dad 4:42
10 The Poor Stranger 4:05
11 Waiting 3:00

What to play next

Listen next

Archive Treasures 2005–2015

2015

Go back to

Songs from the Shipyards

2012

Full The Unthanks discography Artists like The Unthanks

traditional folk music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata