"I find the stage act no better or worse than a thousand other young acts coming up. The only reason, IMO, they stand out is because of their aggressive PR machine."

While I've heard some exceedingly well executed performances on a grass-roots level, the Unthanks DO have a distinctive vocal style and musical personality. They are probably like Marmite as to whether you love or hate their work, but it is undeniably of their own making.

On the other hand, I've heard better technically executed performances on a grass-roots level than some of their outings on TV. Maybe the pressure of big lights gets to them and they are more polished in a more intimate setting?

Either way, they certainly have their own unique vocal style with attractive harmonies and a charmingly media-friendly fey charisma - and questions of talent aside - arguably that is possibly what sets them out from the 'thousand other acts'.

The commercial music industry after all, is not a meritocracy. And nor is merit entirely predicated upon technical proficiency.