The Unthanks: The Songs and Poems of Molly Drake review – a natural fit

The mother of the gifted, tragic songsmith Nick Drake has become revered in her own right following the 2013 release of songs she recorded in the family drawing room in the 1950s. Following covers by Eliza Carthy and Tracey Thorn comes this fourth album in the Diversions series from Tyneside’s folk family, mixing Molly Drake’s songs with readings of her poems by daughter Gabrielle. Drake’s songs, often as brooding and melancholic as her son’s, are a natural fit for the Unthanks’ poignant sibling harmonies. How Wild the Wind Blows, The First Day and Bird in the Blue, the last with woodwind arrangement, are among a wistful, autumnal collection.