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 05/2007

    Sonny Smith
    Fruitvale

  • reviewed 09/2007

    Various Artists - Produced by Jesse Harris
    The Hottest State

  • reviewed 10/2006

    WILLY PORTER
    Available Light

  • reviewed 10/2009

    JOSHUA JAMES
    Build Me This

  • reviewed 10/2008

    GRAYSON CAPPS
    - Rott-n-Roll

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.