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 07/2006

    DARRELL SCOTT
    The Invisible Man

  • reviewed 01/2010

    MATT THE ELECTRICIAN
    Animal Boy

  • reviewed 09/2009

    BIRDIE BUSCH
    Pattern of Saturn

  • reviewed 06/2017

    Dan Mills
    Something Good

  • reviewed 05/2011

    GORD DOWNIE AND THE COUNTRY MIRACLES
    The Grand Bounce

  • reviewed 06/2017

    Alastair Moock
    Alastair Moock

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.