The reviews in the professional journals did not lie. 'Utterly gorgeous' (The Guardian), 'deeply atmospheric' (Mojo) and even 'a work of towering quality' (The Telegraph). The fact that magazines sometimes blow a bit of the tower is nothing new, but if they do that about what is essentially a traditional folk album. The Bairns is the second of the singer Rachel Unthank, joined by sister Becky Unthank,
… Belinda O'Hooley and Niopha Keegan. The critics are ecstatic, the music is so unadorned. The whole is produced in a crystal clear manner, with hardly any deviation from the traditional instruments of piano, violin and polyphonic (often a capella) vocals. The foursome draws to their heart's content from the rich English folk tradition, but also knows how to appreciate the work of contemporary 'folkies'. For example, A Minor Place by the American singer / songwriter Will Oldham and Sea Song by the English eccentric Robert Wyatt are being tackled. Blue's Gaen Oot O 'The Fashion, a fanciful collage / medley of five different folk songs, is the highlight of the record. This complex piece, complete with time and key changes, keeps the listener on the wrong track. (MS)more
