A parting song that instantly feels like it has always been with us, written by
Becky Unthank to the old American folk tune of
Nettleton,
Dear Companions crescendos towards its end with the
voices of 60 devotees, recorded on one of the band"s infamous singing residentials.
"Saying goodbye can often be hard," says Becky Unthank, who wrote the song at home in Northumberland with her partner, the BAFTA award winning animator Ainslie Henderson.
"In its bittersweetness we struggle sometimes to find a satisfying way to part, which is why I've always loved the function of a parting song."
Dear Companions is the closing track on the mammoth forthcoming double album,
The Unthanks In Winter - a dream-like winter fantasia, embracing both the dark and the light in the most ritualistic of seasons. Moving in and out of focus, like a memory, it promises to be a bittersweet hymnal to the winter experience, and a future classic of the Christmas genre.
"This parting song is inspired by our singing weekends, which we dearly love and cherish," continues Becky.
"We are overjoyed that we've managed to capture some singing weekenders at the end of this track.
"In the lyrics, there's also a reference to our Unthank family camping get-togethers in the garden.
"Yes, my sister really does make lanterns and yes, my brother really does play the violin!"
The Unthanks play Hastings White Rock Theatre and Worthing Assembly Hall on 6th and 7th December 2024 respectively. CLICK HERE for tickets.