I hope people don't mind if I express my opinion on this subject.

I'm a big fan of rachel unthank & the winterset - I find their music captivating and engaging, especially the passion and honesty in rachel and becky's voices against the stark musical background of piano and fiddle.

I do however think it a shame that such talented women have to be driven, organised, recorded, told what to wear, sing, by their manager/sound engineer, bus driver, fiance, record company owner adrian mcnally. It reminds me of the svengali managers of the 1970's and also worries me that such an admission of his power by rachel on stage, though humerous, suggests they are completely dependent on him. Always better to keep your options open in my opinion.

Could there be more to Jackie Oates and Belinda O'Hooley leaving this band than what has been written on the band's myspace? Perhaps the degree of control exerted on the band was not seen by all as favourable? It seems odd that two such talented people that helped create their individual stark sound didn't stick around to enjoy the success of recent times for the band.

That said, I think the winterset are hugely talented women and look forward to their next project.

JH