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 02/2006

    THE DUHKS
    Your Daughters and Your Sons

  • reviewed 11/2016

    David Crosby
    Lighthouse

  • reviewed 07/2016

    Western Centuries
    Weight Of The World

  • reviewed 05/2014

    CAROLINE SPENCE
    You Know The Feeling

  • reviewed 02/2010

    TOKYO ROSENTHAL
    GHOSTS

  • reviewed 03/2008

    Old Blind Dogs
    Four on the Floor

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.