Homecoming shows are always wonderfully exciting, yet tonight seems to transcend this somewhat as The Unthanks tackle the wonderfully grandiose settings of Newcastle’s City Hall. The evening begins with Adrian from the band taking to the stage, with a run down of how things were going to go. Shunning the traditional support, interval and main act in favour of a slightly more balanced approach.

So first to appear are Stockton’s The Young’uns who are to open both parts of the set this evening with short 10-minute bursts of excitement, something that may not be present in The Unthanks' set. Opening up with a Billy Bragg cover and moving swiftly on to a song about the filming of Benefits Street, with no instruments they do well to stun and silence this packed crowd and it’s a wonderful feat.

Their sense of humour shines through, alongside their excitement of being on such a wonderful stage. After a very short set they graciously announce the arrival of The Unthanks. As the band take to the stage, the crowd erupts though the mood is also somewhat subdued.

However, this isn't a problem playing tracks from the wonderful new album Mount The Air, which is a real treat. 'Last Lullaby' sounds astoundingly beautiful this evening, to me this first part of the set shows how The Unthanks so effortlessly throw away the meaning of genre. With their own style firmly in place, they fly through a beguiling first set, which closes with the most exciting track yet.

The album title track, played in its entirety of ten minutes, with its unrivalled beauty, is the perfect way to close out a set like this. As we’re left open-mouthed by the amazing music and dancing we’ve just experienced. The band exits for a short interval, ever the true professionals they spend their interval meeting and greeting the crowd in the foyer.

As we reconvene The Young’uns once again are allowed out to play. Another short blast of jovial excitement including some toilet humour is all over too fast as they finish off the second of their sets, with a rabble-rousing audience participation sea shanty. Yet it once again falls to The Unthanks to calm the audience, with yet another wonderful track from Mount The Air.

This time entitled 'For Dad', arguably the most touching song of the evening as a conversation between fiddle player Niopha Keegan and her father is aired, before a beguiling instrumental track ensues. Followed closely by the wonderful 'Magpie', this is arguably one of the highlights for me the harmony created between the three voices is otherworldly.

Its undoubtedly clear that The Unthanks have traditional North Eastern music coursing through their veins, yet they’ve taken that and applied so much more to it. As they’ve transcended the folk clubs and ploughed their own furrow, taking in a variety of exciting influences on the way. Culminating in their record entitled The Songs Of Robert Wyatt And Antony & The Johnsons.

Some of which are on display this evening, 'Out Of The Blue' is an instant hit as their beautifully orchestrated version makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. These musical chameleons take on any challenge; it’s hard to convey the plethora of musical ability and talent that every member possess.

There are so many twists and turns throughout this evening's set; there is no point in trying to pin them down as they’d probably rebel and do something different just to spite you, in a nice way of course. We found it easier to blindly follow, we’re so glad we did as we were taken to so many magical places in one evening.