WHERE does a band go, after a symphonic journey that peaks with orchestral performances at the Royal Festival Hall and Royal Albert Hall? The answer, say North Eastern folk sisters The Unthanks, is back to the beginning...and to playing Pocklington Arts Centre on April 23 next year.

Before fronting one of the most artistically brave and revered bands working today, Tyneside siblings Rachel and Becky Unthank grew up singing songs without accompaniment, in weaving, unschooled vocal harmony.

As if to prove that creativity should never be about ambition or aspiration, The Unthanks are moving on from their orchestral explorations by returning to what they know and do best: singing in unaccompanied harmony, joined on next spring's tour by Unthanks member Niopha Keegan to make a vocal trio.

Together they will explore their rich vocal combinations with new material and arrangements, alongside more familiar Unthanks songs. Believing unaccompanied song to be a performance art of storytelling and communication, instead of recording a studio album, The Unthanks will record each concert. Audience members can pre-order a forthcoming album compiled from live performances on this tour.

Special guests joining The Unthanks on the road will be the inventive talents of Lau's Aidan O’Rourke on fiddle and ECM Records artist Kit Downes on piano and harmonium. Tickets for their 8pm gig are on sale at £23.50 on 01759 301547 or at pocklingtonartscentre.co.uk

Did you know?

The Unthanks' song Magpie featured on Mackenzie Crook’s beautifully poignant BBC Four series Detectorists.