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 01/2017

    Urban Acoustic Coalition
    The Habit

  • reviewed 06/2005

    Jim White
    Searching for the Wrong-Eyed Jesus OST

  • reviewed 01/2006

    JENNIFER KIMBALL
    Oh Hear Us

  • reviewed 03/2013

    ART GOMPEREZ BAND
    A Different Story To Tell

  • reviewed 11/2007

    KORBY LENKER
    King of Hearts

  • reviewed 04/2014

    BRADFORD LEE FOLK & THE BLUEGRASS PLAYBOYS
    Somewhere Far Away

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.