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

    GOLDEN SMOG
    Another Fine Day

  • reviewed 02/2008

    FERGUS MCCORMICK
    I Don't Need You Now

  • reviewed 01/2004

    Lucinda Williams
    World Without Tears

  • reviewed 02/2010

    JOY KILLS SORROW
    Darkness Sure Becomes This City

  • reviewed 11/2006

    DIANE FRENCH
    This Trick

  • reviewed 10/2009

    HOPE SANDOVAL & THE WARM INVENTIONS
    Through the Devil Softly

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.