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 04/2014

    AMBER NICOLE
    Lead You The Way Back Home

  • reviewed 01/2006

    STEPHEN CLAIR
    Under the Bed

  • reviewed 10/2014

    ROSS COOPER
    GIVE IT TIME

  • reviewed 04/2010

    HOLLY GOLIGHTLY & THE BROKEOFFS
    Medicine County

  • reviewed 08/2006

    The Sadies
    In Concert Volume One

  • reviewed 09/2005

    Maggi, Pierce and E.J.
    The Silver Album

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.