Nel Unlit are a group of nine songwriters, storytellers and musicians who have their roots all over the North East of England and Northern Ireland. They have made a folk-opera "Wake for The Dreaming" based on Worlds’ End from Neil Gaiman’s epic Sandman graphic novels.
The album was produced and mixed by the band with the help of Peter Brewis of Mercury Prize nominated Field Music and was released on February 14th 2020 on Butterfly Effect (on limited edition, snow white vinyl) and Spooker Rekkids. Despite the idea for the project brewing for 7 years, the band officially formed in 2016 and began making music in the attic of musical institution Westgarth Social Club.
Drawing from their roots in folk, rock, theatre and classical music, Nel Unlit create vibrant portraits and immersive environments. A cast of singers (including, Tom Joshua, Our Krypton Son, Dressed Like Wolves and Before Breakfast) play roles within the story.
The band were described by Tom Robinson of BBC Radio 6 as one of his favourites and the album was given Album of the Month in The Crack and they were named Track of the Week on BBC Tees.
The multi-instrumental nine piece, have developed an expansive live show, complete with violin, cello, saxophone, clarinet, accordion, field recordings and two drummers.
Jon Horner explains “It tells the story of Brant Tucker, who crashes his car and becomes lost in thick June snow. He discovers a mysterious inn where he is told strange stories by peculiar guests. It is these stories that make up the rest of the album before the dramatic climax.”
"Wow! Like swimming in chocolate. Absolutely right up my street. Music that shakes hands with your ears. Music like you havent heard in the last 60 years. Just blooming wonderful." - Tom Robinson BBC Radio 6
“Delightfully off-kilter, tremendously mesmerising,
a track you want to play again and again” NARC
"A beautiful, ambitious and eventful piece of
music.” - With Guitars
