JOY KILLS SORROW

This Unknown Science

2011-09-07

This is the second time around for this Boston-based bluegrass outfit, named for the '30s radio station where the Monroe Brothers were often heard (WJKS--Where Joy Kills Sorrow), and this set takes the bluegrass basics and adds a variety of other influences, from jazz to rock to blues. More experimental than JKS's debut, one finds songs of dark, light and in-between, book-ended by Matthew Arcara's picking (he's an award-winner in that category) and Emma Beaton's vocals. Bassist and main composer Bridget Kearney has a John Lennon Songwriting title under her belt, so the lyric-music interplay is seamless. Check out "Reservations," "New Man" and "Eli." And for a mood-evoker, sample "Somewhere Over the Atlantic." Laudable and applaudable. 09/11 Michael J. F-Americana

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Folk

  • reviewed 06/2011

    THE GREENCARDS
    The Brick Album

  • reviewed 07/2006

    FRED EAGLESMITH
    Milly's Cafe

  • reviewed 03/2012

    WATER LIARS
    Phantom Limb

  • reviewed 05/2006

    Various Artists
    Sail Away-The Songs of Randy Newman

  • reviewed 05/2016

    Ken Atkins & The Honky Tonk Kind
    This Train

  • reviewed 03/2010

    SWEET TALK RADIO
    My Hallelujah

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.