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 06/2006

    REGINA SPEKTOR
    Begin to Hope

  • reviewed 03/2007

    Jorma Kaukonen
    Stars In My Crown

  • reviewed 11/2016

    Johann Johannsson
    Orphee

  • reviewed 08/2004

    Various Artists
    Por Vida: A Tribute to the Songs of Alejandro Escovedo

  • reviewed 07/2007

    RYAN ADAMS
    Easy Tiger

  • reviewed 05/2008

    THE BAND OF HEATHENS
    THE BAND OF HEATHENS

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.